Integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, the platform will encourage students to use critical and creative thinking skills to look at sustainability in new ways

NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Panasonic Foundation, National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) and bully! entertainment, in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), today announce a new digital experience giving students the chance to get involved in activities related to a newly launched NASA challenge and engage with the STEM skills that are vital for the jobs of tomorrow.

Funded by the Panasonic Foundation and designed by NIA and bully!, in collaboration with NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, the special online interactive experience aimed at middle school students, LunaSustain, gives learners the chance to develop skills aligned with the NASA Centennial Challenge, LunaRecycle. Through the LunaRecycle Challenge, NASA is seeking sustainable recycling solutions that address physical waste on long-term lunar missions. In the LunaSustain digital experience, students are encouraged to become "solutionaries" by using critical and creative thinking skills to look at sustainability in new ways.

Students who complete LunaSustain can sign their own "My Sustainability Pledge", which mirrors large-scale efforts such as Panasonic's GREEN IMPACT. GREEN IMPACT is Panasonic's pledge to reduce CO2 emissions in its own supply chain and society to realize a better life and a more sustainable global environment for all.

The online learning platform is the latest initiative in the Panasonic Foundation's collaboration with the NIA and NASA to engage students in STEM skills, following last year's STEM-focused event in Kansas City, A Space for All '23, where participants had the chance to interact with STEM education experts, explore cutting-edge technologies, and learn about the future of work in the tech industry in the greater Kansas City region and beyond.

"We are thrilled to partner again with NIA to bring this dynamic and inclusive STEM learning platform to life, giving all students – no matter their start in life – the opportunity to engage with the skills that will give them an advantage in the workforce of tomorrow," said Alejandra Ceja, Executive Director of the Panasonic Foundation. "With early access and exposure to STEM education and related careers, students have opportunities to gain understanding and interest in fields that may align with their existing aptitudes. Projects like LunaSustain are an important part of the Panasonic Foundation's mission to bridge the divide between the educational inequities that exist today and the opportunities of tomorrow. "

"We are excited to join forces with the Panasonic Foundation and advance our shared commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive pipeline of future STEM leaders," said Harla Sherwood, Director of NIA's Media Communications Group. "This platform will create a unique interactive STEM experience to engage underserved students, igniting curiosity and driving innovation."

Through LunaSustain, students will travel from the Earth to the Moon and beyond and complete two suggested activities in five destinations to learn more about sustainability. LunaSustain activities include: Calculating your carbon footprint and making a reusable t-shirt bag on Earth, learning about plastic pollution and limiting waste, making space breathable on the International Space Station, and conserving energy to live and work on the Moon. Through other destinations, students will learn about water conservation and designing a device to reduce their water usage. They will also learn more about the use of renewable energy and energy storage on Gateway, NASA's lunar-orbiting station, and create a homemade battery from coins.

You can find out more about LunaSustain here.

About the Panasonic Foundation:

The Panasonic Foundation meets students where they are, in the regions where we live and work, to advance equitable access and early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, particularly among young learners from historically underserved communities. As the philanthropic arm of Panasonic North America since 1984, the Panasonic Foundation bridges the divide between the educational inequities that exist today and the opportunities of tomorrow—securing brighter futures for our communities, our business, and our world. Follow the work of the Panasonic Foundation on Instagram @Panasonic.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America

Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading provider of Consumer Lifestyle technologies, as well as innovative Smart Mobility, Sustainable Energy, Immersive Experiences, and Integrated Supply Chain solutions. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Holdings Corporation. One of Interbrand's Top 100 Best Global Brands of 2023, Panasonic is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. Learn more about Panasonic's ideas and innovations at na.panasonic.com/us

SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America