Because we don’t want to miss working with your students, the Explore Team is launching innovative programs this fall for middle and high school classrooms.
Manufacturing Day Virtual Labs
This series is a condensed virtual version of our Explore Academics and Workshops for middle school classrooms and remote learning programs. We have packed the labs with a ton of fun to help engage students.
LABS:
- Monthly a 50-minute video focused on one West Virginia manufacturer will be released.
Lab hosts will provide a snapshot of their products and manufacturing process. Also, the videos will highlight employees and the career skills they need for their jobs.
- A lab demonstration will be provided.
We will provide lab instructions in a study guide so students can complete the lab on their own or as a class group. Many of the materials for the lab will utilize everyday household items.
- An optional Q&A session with the lab host will be offered with some of the labs.
CONTESTS: We've added some extra fun and a chance to win Amazon gift cards for your classroom. There will be $1,000 in gift cards up for grabs!
- Guess the Manufacturer
- Virtual Lab Snapshot
- WV Made Scavenger Hunt
- Grand Champion Leaderboard
You can sign-up for the Manufacturing Day Virtual Labs by sending an email to
Manufacturing Innovation Challenge
New this school year, the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge is a team activity for high school students. In this project-based learning program, student teams generate innovative solutions to real-world challenges by area manufacturers.
You can sign-up for the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge by sending an email to
What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Student Video Contest
Middle school team competitions are scheduled for the Northern Panhandle, Eastern Panhandle, and the Kanawha Valley regions. Launch later this fall; the contest has been modified to a virtual format. Regional awards ceremonies will be held next the spring.
Format changes: Virtual meetings between teams and manufacturers. Students will be the directors instructing the manufacturer what video to capture and employee interviews to conduct. Students will develop a storyboard and interview questions for their manufacturers.
You can sign up for What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Student Video Contest by sending an email to
Do you know a teacher who might be interested?
Please help us spread the word about the Explore Program’s new virtual platform. We are looking to expand outreach into new schools and counties within West Virginia.
