MANUFACTURING
LG Electronics Opens Interactive “ Ex
Christine Torticill ’ s fourth graders were perfect for the launch of the LG Exploratorium , an interactive , hands-on educational space designed to spark the curiosity and enthusiasm of young minds hungry for learning .
“ They had a blast . It was so much fun ,” Torticill said . The 9-year-olds got to see what it ’ s like to use a vacuum in a digital field . They experienced driving an electric vehicle on a simulator and interacted with a robot powered with Artificial Intelligence . The children were invited by LG Electronics North America . The consumer technology giant built the Exploratorium on its innovative new 350,000 square foot campus atop the scenic palisades in Englewood Cliffs .
LG ’ s partner in developing the center was Discovery Education , a global leader in education technology that serves 4.5 million educators and 45 million students across 100 countries . Their goal was to teach elementary and middle school-aged students “ how innovation can be used to impact people ’ s lives , improve productivity and protect the environment ,” LG Electronics North America CEO Thomas Yoon said at the recent opening .
“ The LG Exploratorium represents an investment in our social and economic future , and when we invest in our communities , we create a stronger society for everyone ,” he added .
Torticill said the LG and Discovery Education provided her with material to whet the students ’ appetites for the experience and staffers guided them throughout their visit . “ They knew how to speak with the children , set expectations and manage the experience ” she said . The veteran teacher said the field trip paired beautifully with the state ’ s learning standards .
She said the class was captivated by the robot and mused about how it could be used in other fields , including medicine . The students also delighted in the self-driving car . “ They saw the reach of it and how it could be used to change the scope of commuting ,” the teacher said .
The class was from Englewood Cliffs ’ Upper School , which was honored with a 2022 National Blue Ribbon by the U . S . Department of Education for overall academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups . LG hopes that elementary schools throughout the metropolitan area will use the Exploratorium for their field trips .
While Discovery Education designed the center to wow visitors on-site , Amy Nakamoto , general manager of social impact for the global firm , said they deliberately extended the experience by providing lesson plans for the teachers . They are also using integrated technology on the back end to capture what the children
are learning . “ We want to inspire students and make learning fun ,” she said .
Discovery Education ’ s relationship with LG dated back to 2017 and the launch of an educational initiative Discover Your Happy . The collaboration evolved as LG ’ s planned to open its new headquarters in Englewood Cliffs and sought to connect students to STEAM learning and how it aligns with workforce development .
“ We want to spark curiosity and interest ( among students ), so they are not shying away from math or science – so they explore the world of wonder ,” Nakamoto said . “ Our mission at Discovery Education is to prepare learners for tomorrow by creating innovative classrooms connected to today ’ s world .”
She said the Exploratorium aligns with her company ’ s mission by allowing students to engage with technology while exploring STEAM-related career paths . “ Together , we designed engaging resources for K-8 students that enhance enrichment and integrate the
LG Electronics partners with Discovery Education to create Exploritorium , an interactive , hands-on space t
Photo : LG Electronics Photo : LG Electronics
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