3M FUTUREWISE BRINGS SCIENCE TO LIFE FOR STUDENTS NATIONWIDE 

3M, the diversified technology company, has launched 3M Futurewise, a new, free online teaching resource where students can explore a virtual town and engage with different aspects of sustainable living.

The initiative, part of 3M’s campaign to encourage more students to study science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM subjects), was launched at 3M’s new offices in The Iveagh Building, The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin 18.

The website - www.3Mfuturewise.ie - will form part of a five-week science programme for students at schools nationwide.

This drive towards sustainable living and renewable energy has been identified as a key growth sector of the national economy, demanding a high level of engineering and science graduates in future years.  However, according to the Central Applications Office. applications for engineering and technology degree courses in 2009 are down 10 per cent on 2008, a figure that has already fallen by 25 per cent since 2000*.

Welcoming the 3M Futurewise website as part of the ‘Our Universe’ primary science programme, Peter Brabazon, Programme Director, Discover Science + Engineering said: “The Discover Science + Engineering Programme is delighted to be associated with this project giving thousands of young children the opportunity to learn through hands-on activities in the classroom, taught by business volunteers, about science and engineering and how these technologies are used in real world situations.  The 3M Futurewise website is a welcome learning tool for these young students.”

The 3M Futurewise website has been designed for use by teachers, students and also STEM ambassadors – representatives from both science and industry – who visit schools to demonstrate to students the benefits of studying the subjects and how they apply to future career possibilities.  These STEM ambassadors deliver the ‘Our Universe’ science programme in schools over a five-week period, trained and supported by Junior Achievement Ireland.

Paul Knowles, General Manager, 3M Ireland Limited, speaking at the launch, said: “As a technology company our future success is dependent on having employees with the right skills, so we want to do what we can to encourage greater interest in STEM subjects in the education system.  Young people have a natural fascination in this area and we are delighted to foster this interest, using the interactive, innovative e-learning tools and hands-on activities in both 3M Futurewise and Our Universe.”

He went on to explain that the aim of the resource is to educate students about sustainable living and to show them that society needs scientists, engineers and new technology to help solve the problems of the future.

“We hope to engage and motivate students to choose science and maths subjects in secondary school, looking forward to future careers in engineering, technology and science,” said Mr. Knowles. 

3M is a Trademark of 3M Company

*Sources -

Central Applications Office

Engineering a Knowledge Island 2020, Report 2008

3M – practical and ingenious solutions that help our customers succeed

3M is a $25 billion diversified technology company which, since 1902, has been creating innovative products that help make the world healthier, safer and more productive. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.

3M employs some 76,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. It produces thousands of innovative products for customers in dozens of diverse markets and its 45 technology platforms touch nearly every aspect of modern life - the company has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention and detection solutions; and in 2008 it launched the MPro range of pocket projectors..

Junior Achievement  Ireland - encouraging young people to remain in education and teaching them the skills they need to succeed in a changing world.

Junior Achievement Ireland teaches young people about the world of work, encouraging them to remain in education.  This year 65,000 Irish children, from Senior Infants to Leaving Certificate, will take part in Junior Achievement science, maths and enterprise programmes in schools throughout the country.  The not-for-profit organisation brings enthusiastic business volunteers from local organisations into the classroom to run enterprise and life skills programmes motivating and inspiring young people to value education and equip them with the skills they need to succeed at school and in life.