• Case Study
• Jan 28, 2025
City College of New York STEM Institute Partners with Lectec to Transform After School STEM Learning
Building STEM Skills Through Electric Skateboard Engineering and Real-World Applications
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Written by
Jared Ebersole
Overview
The STEM Institute at City College of New York (CCNY), established in 1992 as a bridge program for high school seniors entering college, has a long-standing reputation for providing unique and enriching STEM opportunities. In collaboration with Lectec, the STEM Institute has introduced an innovative, hands-on learning experience that equips students with critical STEM skills while inspiring creativity and real-world problem-solving.
Why CCNY Chose Lectec
The partnership with Lectec was driven by the unique features of its program and product offerings:
Creativity and Innovation: Students were drawn to the opportunity to build their own personal electric vehicles, a project that combines engineering, physics, and design thinking.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Lectec’s curriculum is fully developed and aligns with state education standards, making it easy to integrate into existing programs.
Hands-On Learning: The program bridges the gap between theory and practical application, allowing students to explore topics like mechanics, electronics, and coding through real-world projects.
Collaborative Approach: Lectec’s team worked closely with CCNY to understand the program’s mission and tailor the experience to meet the needs of its diverse student population.
Left: Jared working at a young age. Right: new inventory being delivered.
Program Implementation
Lectec’s program was seamlessly integrated into the STEM Institute’s curriculum, offering weekly hands-on sessions where students explored the science and engineering behind electric skateboards. Key topics included:
Physics and Engineering: Bearings, bushings, trigonometry of skateboard movement, and motor mechanics.
Battery and Energy Systems: Understanding how batteries work, regenerative braking, and energy conversion.
Design and Prototyping: Students engaged in designing, prototyping, and presenting new inventions as part of a final project.
Coding and Real-Time Data Analysis: Students learned to code and analyze real-time data, such as current draw from motors and battery performance.
Luke left, Jared right at Electrify Expo debuting Lectec
Outcomes
The collaboration delivered remarkable results:
Enhanced Student Engagement: Students expressed excitement about the hands-on approach, noting it was more effective than traditional classroom methods. “I learned so much more by touching the skateboard and the materials than by watching a presentation,” one student shared.
Skill Development: Participants gained practical skills in engineering, coding, and product design, preparing them for future STEM careers.
Increased Interest in STEM: Students who were initially hesitant became enthusiastic participants, often inviting friends to join and expressing interest in further programs.
Expansion Plans: Due to the program’s success, CCNY plans to extend the partnership to middle school students, providing opportunities for younger learners to benefit from Lectec’s innovative approach.
The Moeller family assembling a beta Lectec kit.
Why Choose Lectec?
Lectec provides a unique blend of creativity, practicality, and innovation. The program connects theoretical concepts with tangible projects, offering students a memorable and impactful learning experience. The STEM Institute’s glowing recommendation highlights Lectec as a “complete package” that’s “perfect for teaching difficult scientific concepts in a fun, practical way.”
Luke left, Jared right.
Final Thoughts
As the world continues to embrace digital and hardware technologies, programs like Lectec offer a vital bridge between education and real-world application. The partnership with CCNY’s STEM Institute demonstrates the transformative potential of hands-on STEM education, inspiring students to innovate, create, and envision the future.
Lectec is not just a product—it’s an experience that prepares the next generation of engineers and innovators. Are you ready to transform your STEM program? Contact us to learn more.
Jared & Luke on ABC's Shark Tank
