NHL & NHLPA Launch Future Goals Virtual Science Fair
December 4, 2020
What does the future of hockey look like? The NHL and the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) are holding the Future Goals Virtual Science Fair to give students in the US and Canada the chance to answer.
Powered by social impact education innovator EVERFI, the contest challenges 4th - 8th graders to use their skills to show ways that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) can enhance the game.
Olivia Zehner, director of enterprise account management at EverFi, is excited about the possibilities of the virtual science fair.
"We've worked with some of our sister companies across the pond where they've done some science projects in general, so it'll be really interesting to see that we're able to do the science project but connect it with sport, and use hockey as that lever," she said. "I think the NHL and [the NHLPA] are excited to see what comes in and highlight some of these projects and submissions."
Students can register to submit their projects online through January 15, 2021 for a chance to win prizes (no purchase necessary). They will be judged on scientific method, delivery and creativity across three categories: Virtual Fan Engagement, Sustainability and Technology/Innovation:
HOCKEY AT HOME
This Virtual Fan Engagement category invites you to create innovative concepts to improve the game experience for fans watching at home, from data presentation to interactive tools.
SUSTAIN THE GAME
This Sustainability category asks how hockey arenas can become more viable through green innovations, like those the NHL is already implementing
INNOVATION ON ICE
This Technology/Innovation category challenges you to imagine how technology can improve the game. Whether it's innovating in equipment, fan experience, analytics or elsewhere
"For this science fair, [it's] to get the inclusion of the kids, to really help shape the future of it, to have some fun, learn about the game a little more, sharpen the brain, do some online interactions and then have some really cool prizes," said former NHL goalie Marty Turco, president of the Dallas Stars Foundation and an advocate of the Future Goals program.
"At the end of the day, the students are the ultimate winners. They're going to learn a little more about one of the greatest games on the planet. But obviously it's about the brain activity, getting better, getting smarter and letting them know the world of STEM is out there to be had, and that can be fun too."
Since 2014, the NHL, NHLPA and EVERFI have teamed together to bring STEM education through Future Goals - Hockey Scholar into classrooms throughout Canada and the United States. More than 3.1 million students have participated in the program, accounting for more than 6.5 million hours of learning.
For full details, visit the Future Goals Virtual Science Fair website.
The NHL and EVERFI are members of the Sport and STEM Alliance dedicated to using sport to ignite passion in STEM education. Learn more here.