TOYchallenge

Ten years ago, few of us imagined that we would type the word Google™ on a keyboard and have the knowledge of the world at our fingertips; that we would fast forward through commercials and watch our favorite shows at our favorite times using something called Tivo®; or, that we would unlock our personal diaries and share them with anyone who would look using something called a blog.

What can we expect ten years from now? And, more importantly, how do we prepare the next generation for a future that we can’t even begin to imagine?

"You build a solid foundation at a young age," says Sally Ride, first American female astronaut and CEO of Sally Ride Science, the organizer of TOYchallenge ™, a national toy design contest she conceived as a way to encourage middle school kids, especially girls, to begin thinking like engineers.

Sally doesn’t have a crystal ball, but from 1,000,000 feet, she has seen the world from a unique perspective and believes that giving children the tools of math, science and teamwork will help prepare them for any challenge – or opportunity – that comes their way.

TOYchallenge™ introduces kids to engineering by challenging them to develop an idea for a toy, think it through, describe it, draw it, and build a model or prototype.

“Whether designing a toy or a rocket ship, you have to follow the same steps and processes,” said Ride. “By participating in the TOYchallenge™, kids are engineering without even realizing it.”

Plus, they have the chance to win prizes that even the biggest kids would enjoy – the opportunity to train like a real astronaut at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center® or have a Hasbro action figure created in their likeness.

“The greatest gift that the kids walk away with is the knowledge that everyone has something to offer,” said Ride. From the idea to the design, the packaging to the sales pitch, “kids learn to work as a team and to maximize the skills and talents of each team member.”

“So that when they decide they want to be an astronaut, or a Southwest Airlines pilot,” or something we can’t yet imagine, “they will have the confidence and the qualifications to pursue their dreams.”

If you know a child that would enjoy participating in the TOYchallenge™, visit TOYchallenge.com or SallyRideScience.com to learn more.

Southwest Airlines is pleased to sponsor the 2006 Sally Ride Science TOYchallenge™.