BETHLEHEM, Pa – The National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) is privileged to receive a generous grant of $10,000 from the Air Products Foundation in support of its Virtual Education Initiative. As schools across the country adapt to changing health and safety guidelines and pivot to virtual learning, NMIH is working to meet their needs.

Using technology and resources afforded by the Air Products Foundation contribution, NMIH has developed its first virtual field trip program, which incorporates video, safely modified hands-on S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities, quizzes, live Q&A sessions and virtual demonstrations. A multi-faceted field trip curriculum will offer participants a chance to explore different facets of the Industrial Revolution including raw materials and natural resources, industrial processes, and the lives of the workers. For example, students will have a chance to safely handle silk moth cocoons and learn where silk comes from, delve into the experience of textile workers, and discover how the weaving process was automated through mechanical invention.

The tour has a “choose your own adventure” style that encourages exploration and discovery in a simple, straightforward format that is flexible and can be easily guided by teachers and parents alike. In partnership with Historic Bethlehem Museum & Sites and ArtsQuest, NMIH will pilot the program this winter with Bethlehem Area School District and utilize the feedback of teachers, students, parents, and administrators to roll out the full program in spring of 2021.

“We are so grateful to Air Products for this incredible gift to expand our youth educational offerings,” said NMIH President & CEO Kara Mohsinger. “With these tools, the opportunities to build new programs and connect with school audiences both locally and worldwide are limitless.”

“Air Products is excited to support technology to help students learn virtually about the exciting industrial heritage of our country,” said Simon Moore, Air Products’ Vice President of Investor Relations, Corporate Relations and Sustainability. “We are fortunate to partner with NMIH to be able to showcase these fascinating and critical processes that were part of the Industrial Revolution.”

About the Air Products Foundation
The Air Products Foundation is a separately incorporated U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to build meaningful relationships with charitable organizations that share the values inherent in Air Products’ high purpose and enhance the Company’s positive relations with employees, communities, customers and shareholders.

About NMIH
A Smithsonian Institution-affiliate, the National Museum of Industrial History is dedicated to preserving America’s rich industrial heritage. Housed in an 18,000-square-foot, 100-year-old former Bethlehem Steel facility on the largest private brownfield in America, the Museum is home to exciting exhibits, engaging programs and amazing history. Learn more at nmih.org.

 

 
Information provided to TVL by:
Glenn Koehler
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
National Museum of Industrial History
 

 

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