Waverly Park Elementary School third-graders were recently introduced to Hess Toy Trucks for educational exploration as a result of the school’s new Hess Toy Truck Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Kit grant. Library media specialist Meghan Ceglie applied for the grant in Feb. on behalf of Waverly Park and in March, received twelve 2017 Hess Dump Truck and Loader kits, along with a corresponding STEM curriculum.

As part of the Hess Corporation’s core value of social responsibility, the corporation partnered with Baylor College of Medicine to form a STEM Educational Outreach program for students. The program offers free learning kits which include Hess Toy Trucks along with a STEM Curriculum to teachers nationwide to demonstrate how the toys can be used as learning tools. They are awarded to qualifying teachers and are donated to their school. 

This spring, Waverly Park third-graders will utilize the Hess Toy Trucks to explore their grade-level career focus of education. Each grade level in the Lynbrook Public Schools have been challenged to research a specific career path for the 2017-18 school year as part of the district’s theme, “Where Tomorrow Begins Today.” The students will plan and teach STEM lessons using the Hess Toy Trucks to first grade students.

“The Hess trucks are more than toys. They are learning tools that offer a variety of practical and fun ways to teach STEM concepts,” said Ceglie. “Receiving the Hess STEM kit grant will allow me to continue creating a hands-on learning environment that will foster the acquisition of the 21st century skills necessary for student success.”