KANSAS CITY, MO – [August, 28, 2024] – Make48, the acclaimed invention-based reality series, is pleased to announce the premiere of a special series of episodes featuring Project Lead The Way (PLTW) students on Roku's This Old House Makers Channel. The episodes will debut on Wednesday, September 25th, 2024, at 9 pm EST/8 pm CST.
This unique collaboration highlights the convergence of hands-on STEM education and real-world product development. The series follows teams of talented PLTW students, guided by their PLTW teacher team captains, as they navigate design challenges and transform concepts into prototypes within the dynamic Make48 environment. The winning team will advance to compete at the national Make48 competition in November.
“What makes this competition so impressive is seeing how our PLTW students are applying their classroom knowledge and skills to creating these prototypes in relevant and meaningful ways,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. “They are getting direct experience in what it takes to design a product and make it come to life.”
This Old House Makers Channel, a premier destination for makers and DIY enthusiasts, provides an ideal platform to showcase this inspiring collaboration. The channel's engaged audience will gain firsthand insights into the impact of PLTW's educational programs and the remarkable potential of its students.
"Our joint effort with Project Lead The Way exemplifies the power of applied learning and the boundless creativity of young innovators," said Tom Gray, CEO and co-creator of Make48. "These episodes offer a compelling look at the passion and talent these students bring to the STEM fields."
Make48 and PLTW gratefully acknowledge the contributions of all the teams, individuals and organizations who supported this initiative. The UMKC Innovation Studio at the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise and Research Center, is also recognized for generously providing the facilities and resources essential to this initiative.
Viewers are invited to tune in to Roku's This Old House Makers Channel on Wednesday, September 25th, at 9 pm EST/8 pm CST to experience the power and excitement of Make48 and Project Lead The Way.
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About PLTW
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) equips PreK-12 students for a STEM-driven world with teacher-empowered curriculum in computer science, engineering, biomedical science and more. For over 25 years, PLTW’s curriculum coupled with its best-in-class professional development has supported teachers in creating an environment to make every student STEM successful. As a national nonprofit organization, PLTW is proud to reach 2.5 million students in elementary, middle and high schools in all 50 states. With over 100,000 trained teachers nationwide, PLTW brings relevant, hands-on learning to classrooms across the country. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.
About Make48
Make48 is a nationwide invention-competition docuseries that gives teams a challenge at the start of a two-day event. With just 48 hours, teams must create a prototype, promotional video, and sales sheet, and present their idea to a panel of judges. The teams have access to a makerspace and numerous Tool Techs that can make almost anything, patent attorneys, marketing experts, and more. This format allows everyone to have a level playing field and the chance to win, with no prior technical knowledge necessary.
Make48 Media Contact:
Cassandra Muñoz
816-226-8385