• Students aged from 14 to 16 to use high-quality equipment, collaborate, discuss and have fun with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
• This is a format that has been successful in Norway, Denmark and Scotland where over 40 classrooms, known as “Newton Rooms”, have been established
• This is a result of the Norwegian non-profit FIRST Scandinavia in partnership with the regional government of Galicia and backed by Boeing

MADRID, September 29^th, 2021 – Boeing and FIRST Scandinavia are to introduce an innovative learning approach at Tecnópole in Ourense, Galicia.

In cooperation with Boeing, the non-profit organization FIRST Scandinavia will bring the Newton learning experience to Spain, exactly two years after the innovative concept was first launched in the city of Lugo. This time, a large, permanent learning space will be modified and fully equipped near the city of Ourense at the Parque Tecnolóxico de Galicia, a site that already hosts numerous educational activities for young people as well as supporting local businesses. This is an opportunity for students aged from 14 to 16 to use high-quality equipment, collaborate, discuss and have fun with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The Newton Room at Tecnópole will be the first to be permanently established in Spain and is a format that has been hugely successful in Norway which has over 40 permanent rooms distributed across the country. The Newton Rooms are particularly suited to rural locations and allow students to hone their skills in STEM subjects under the supervision of specialist teachers. Schools in the region of Galicia who would like their students to attend can sign up here.

“I am delighted to launch the first permanent Newton Room in Galicia. The Mobile Newton Room was well received by students and the general public in the city of Lugo two years ago. With the permanent room we will be able to extend the same opportunity to larger numbers of students” Managing Director of FIRST Scandinavia, Stian Elstad, says.

“I am delighted that Boeing continues to invest in tomorrow’s engineers in Galicia through this new learning opportunity for young people. As an engineer and leader, I have first-hand experience of how rewarding learning and working in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics are and the Newton Projects are helping to enthuse a new generation” Managing Director Boeing International, Angela Natale, said.

Boeing and Galicia

Boeing has been an active partner of Galicia, starting from when, in 2018, the Boeing Research & Technology-Europe, based in Madrid, was awarded the project launched by the Xunta de Galicia under the pre-commercial public purchase formula to address the “Management and Security of traffic for shared airspaces” within the framework of the “Civil UAVs Initiative.” The main objective of this 18-month project, called “SkyWay”, was the development of technological solutions that allow progress in the operational and security challenges involved in the deployment of unmanned systems in shared air spaces. The implementation of this project included a series of key activities in the socio-economic framework for the Galicia Region, including an agreement with the Vigo University, the organization of “Drone Days” for students at the Rozas Airport Research Center, and the establishment of a flight simulator in the Boeing laboratory on the Ourense campus. All this, in addition to the establishment of a Mobile Newton Room in Lugo in 2019.

Boeing in Spain

Boeing has been present in Spain for more than 85 years, serving the needs of commercial airline customers and maintaining a long-standing collaboration with the Spanish aerospace industry. Boeing has also been a longtime supplier of airplanes, helicopters and systems to the Spanish military. Boeing Research & Technology-Europe, which is led from Madrid, produces innovative ideas to meet the needs of Boeing and its customers in areas such as model-based engineering, avionics systems, airspace and autonomous operations efficiency, materials and manufacturing technologies. 

The Newton Concept

The Newton concept is developed and administered by the non-profit foundation FIRST Scandinavia in collaboration with teachers, academic institutions and corporations. A Newton Room is a well-equipped, inspiring STEM classroom with focus on education of high quality. The purpose is to provide as many children as possible with good experience and feeling of mastery with science subjects. The education is varied and focuses on practical activities. Over 40 Newton Rooms have been established in Norway, Denmark and Scotland, and through the partnership with Boeing the concept has been introduced internationally.

Partnership with Boeing

Boeing and FIRST Scandinavia have partnered since 2013 on different projects, among them the establishment of the Newton Flight Academy in Bodø, Norway. In June 2018, FIRST Scandinavia was chosen as Boeing’s official STEM partner with an investment of $5 million. The Newton concept is now being presented in nine European countries though mobile solutions and permanent venues. 

Parque Tecnolóxico de Galicia (Tecnópole)

Tecnópole promotes knowledge and innovation in business activity. Active collaboration links are maintained with universities, research centers and companies with the aim of promoting i+D+i activities and business development and competitiveness. In the scientific and technological dissemination field, a young innovative talent show called Galiciencia has been organized each year since 2006. Thanks to this initiative, other activities have also been developed such as T2W and Aulas Tecnópole to teach high schoolers about innovative entrepreneurship skills. Tecnópole also runs summer camps and has a well-established relationship with schools in the region.

Contacts

Boeing

Armida Balla

Communications Manager

armida.balla@boeing.com

+39-342-5291540

FIRST Scandinavia

Alysia Tofflemire

Executive Director NewtonRoom gGmbH

Alysia@newtonroom.com

+49 (0) 176 640 294 35