Contact: Kristin Roberts
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Budding scientists worldwide are exploring the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory through a new Discovery Education and Sesame Workshop collaboration that takes students behind the scenes of this one-of-a-kind national lab.
"Meet the Magnets: A Virtual Field Trip to the U.S. National Science Foundation National High Magnetic Field Laboratory" is now available on demand at no cost from discoveryeducation.com for elementary age students, families and educators. Teachers can sign up their classrooms to watch. Additional resources are also available to support learning, such as a standards-aligned companion guide with hands-on activities and educator support content.
The virtual field trip follows two young hosts who go behind the scenes to explore the Florida State University-headquartered MagLab. The show features lab scientists and staff, including Director Kathleen Amm.
"It was so much fun hosting the Discovery Education and Sesame Workshop team at the lab. We're thrilled to show more young people the cutting-edge research being done by our brilliant scientists," Amm said. "We want to share the wonders of science with young people and inspire them to pursue careers in STEM. This video is an awesome way to spread that message."
The MagLab's primary funding partner, the U.S. National Science Foundation, sponsored the project in celebration of its 75th anniversary on May 10.
During the virtual field trip, the students learn how the lab builds the strongest electromagnets in the world and how those magnets are used for cutting-edge research, while also exploring the key role magnets play in our lives. The hosts make their own electromagnets, peer inside the world's strongest magnet and float on the "human levitator," powered by magnets and superconductors.
"Virtual field trips give students exposure to the real world and new ideas. Covering so many topics, these virtual field trips give educators new ways to help students explore and learn," said Ashley Powers, Senior Director of Partner Impact at Discovery Education.
Discovery Education is the creator of essential K-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world. Discovery Education serves about 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in nearly 100 countries and territories.
The MagLab is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the State of Florida. Each year the lab hosts nearly 2,000 scientists from around the world who harness the MagLab's one-of-a-kind magnets for research into materials, magnet technology, energy transmission and storage, health, the environment and the mysteries of the universe.
The U.S. National Science Foundation, marking its 75th year, is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare and secure the national defense.
