Students will utilize Mattel’s car brand to visualize the shift from potential to kinetic energy as well as other STEM-based concepts.

NORTH AMERICA–Mattel and Microsoft have joined forces to feature the Hot Wheels brand during Microsoft Education Workshop’s STEM Saturday events in September.

During the workshop, students will have the opportunity to modify their Hot Wheels cars with a simple paper clip that will act as a switch. This activity will allow each participant to measure their car’s speed, visualize the shift from potential to kinetic energy and investigate the force of impact while they race their cars.

The workshop also complements Hot Wheels Speedometry, a curriculum developed in partnership with the University of Southern California that encourages problem-based learning through play and hands-on activities that support common core and next generation science standards.

“We are thrilled that Hot Wheels will be featured at Microsoft’s STEM Saturday events encouraging learning through play,” says Chris Down, senior vice president and general manager, Hot Wheels. “Speedometry’s proven curriculum-based learning, coupled with Microsoft’s approach to ‘hacking Hot Wheels’ is furthering our mission to nurture the challenger spirit inherent in all kids.”

STEM Saturdays are part of Microsoft’s initiative to host a variety of free, hands-on educational programs at the Microsoft Store. Each drop-in workshop aims to remove economic barriers to STEM Education.