Andrea Johnson/MDN Students at Nedrose participated in science, technology, education and mathematics activities on Monday with toy cars donated by the Hess Corp. From left to right are Diante Wilson, Izzy Nannicelli, Ashton Stromswold, Athena Trujillo and Caydence Stehley, a ninth grader who was helping guide the activity for the fourth and fifth graders.

Fourth and fifth graders from Nedrose Public School raced toy trucks or towed them with red string in the school gymnasium on Monday.

It was fun and games but also an opportunity to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with engaging, hands-on activities.

The Hess Corp. has donated the toy trucks and STEM education kits to every elementary school in North Dakota each year for the past five years. The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction includes educational activities for schools to use with the kits.

Nedrose celebrated the latest donation with an afternoon of educational activities for the kids, which were facilitated by high school students who guided the activities.

Elementary principal Chelsey Raymond said the toy trucks have been made available for teachers to use with lessons. Raymond said teachers will also be able to check out an educational crate containing the donated toy trucks.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler and representatives of the Hess Corp. attended the event on Monday and talked with the kids about STEM activities and careers.

Brent Lohnes, general manager for North Dakota, said, “Hess’ mission is to be the most trusted energy partner wherever we operate and to make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. This year, local Hess employees were able to share what they love about STEM and how their interests have translated into careers in North Dakota with the students at Nedrose Public School. We are proud to play a role in North Dakota supporting education and STEM.”

The 2022 Hess Flatbed Truck is a vintage transport carrier with two hot rod racers. The accompanying STEM curriculum guide, titled ‘The Science of Speed,” has students racing, crashing, and jumping their vehicles all while learning about momentum, friction, springs, and more. While spanning grades kindergarten through eighth grade, each activity is easily adaptable for students in specific grades. Hess will ship the toy trucks and STEM kits directly to each elementary school in January, and teachers will be able to use the materials as part of their curriculum going forward.