Mantis™ Joins the MyStemKits™ Team at ASCD to Showcase Sensor Integration

ATLANTA - April 23, 2016 - PRLog -- At the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development Conference earlier this month, Mantis joined MyStemKits.com to exhibit their STEM sensors and library of 3D-printable kits all designed for K-12 education. By combining the Mantis sensors with 3D printable housings, parts and curriculum, students will experience well-rounded STEM solutions.

The ASCD 2016 Conference was held at the Georgia World Congress Center from April 2 through April 4 and was host to about 7,000 people.  The exhibition hall was open all three days of the conference.  Attendees had the opportunity to view brief product demonstrations, explore and interact with the library of sensors and kits, and speak with Mantis and MyStemKits representatives.

Mantis highlighted their sensor products, such as the Force Motion Cart which pairs with the MyStemKits Ramp Kit, Also featured and making its prototype debut at the convention, was the new Mantis rover robot.  "Combining the programmable Mantis sensors with the 3D printable kits and curriculum helps students learn STEM through engagement and making.  The new rover includes sensor capabilities and the vessel is 3D printable," explained HipScience CEO, Laron Walker.  "Not only do the students learn from the functionality of the completed product, but they participate in printing and constructing the product. In some cases, there is also a programmable component to the lesson where tools like Scratch can come into play", added Marquette Trishaun, HipScience COO.

Walker was busy demonstrating the new rover robot prototype that will become part of the STEM solutions library very soon, with a crowdfunding campaign in the planning stages.   While it looks like a toy (and it actually does make a great laser tag vehicle), it also helps teach real hands-on science, engineering and technology concepts.

The rest of the booth was centered around the MyStemKits subscription library about to go public.  Hannah Olson, MyStemKits.com Co-Founder, explained that with MyStemKits.com, teachers will be able to affordably access a wide range of hands-on learning tools specifically designed for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics standards. Backed with vetted curriculum written by a team of teachers and content-area experts based out of Florida State University, the system is a comprehensive classroom solution for all grades K-12.  Adding sensor products to the kits just makes the experience more engaging and interactive.

Both teams felt the enthusiasm of booth visitors and were excited about the reception their offerings received. A drawing was held on the final day of the conference.  Two lucky Mantis winners were each awarded a Mantis weather sensor with curriculum.  Two MyStemKits grand prize winners each received an annual MyStemKits library subscription.

By liking the MantisSTEM page on Facebook or following @MantisStem on Twitter, you can stay current with their upcoming events and campaigns, such as the STEM Kit donation program going on now as a result of HipScience's commitment to the White House. Through the STEM Advantage program, you can nominate a disadvantaged school to be on a donation recipient list.  To learn more about the STEM Advantage donation program, visit http://www.mantisopenstem.com/enroll.

About MyStemKits:  With locations in Atlanta and Tallahassee, MyStemKits is developing a leading digital subscription library of 3D printable manipulatives for K-12 STEM education and backs it with a vetted curriculum.  From printer-friendly designs to its user-oriented platform and direct-to-printer streaming, STEM education is as easy as clicking print.  For more information, visit facebook.com/mystemkits.

About MantisOpenSTEM:  With locations in Atlanta and Orlando, Mantis is a brand division of HipScience, LLC.  HipScience is an embedded sensor company, embedding sensors so they talk and play with other relevant technology. The Mantis brand of sensors and probes is designed with STEM education in mind promoting an open platform and standards-based curriculum. With over 15 years of experience in the aerospace industry, the company has been designing and engineering sensors that embed in wearable items, education tools and commercial/industrial devices. Visit us at www.mantisopentstem.com or www.hip-sci.com to learn more!