Bringing STEM to Life: NJMEP and the New Jersey Devils Inspire Future Innovators on STEM Day

The future of innovation starts with curiosity—and what better way to spark that curiosity than through sports? On March 3, 2025, NJMEP partnered with the New Jersey Devils to bring STEM Day to the Prudential Center, creating an exciting and interactive experience that introduced elementary school students to the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) behind hockey.

Through hands-on activities and real-world demonstrations, students learned that STEM is everywhere—including on the ice. From the physics of a slapshot to the engineering of a Zamboni, the event planted the seeds of exploration and discovery, showing young minds that STEM is fun, exciting, and part of their everyday world.

Bringing STEM to Life Through Hockey

For many students, hockey is just a game. But STEM Day revealed that science and engineering are what make the sport possible.

With the help of the Devils’ Future Goals – Hockey Scholar Program, students rotated through four interactive learning stations that brought STEM concepts to life:

• The Science Behind the Shot – Students explored how force, friction, and angles impact puck movement and accuracy.
• Precision Passing & Geometry – A deep dive into how angles, speed, and teamwork help players move the puck across the ice.
• The Engineering of the Zamboni – A behind-the-scenes look at how this machine smooths the ice and improves gameplay.
• How Things Are Made: A Look at Manufacturing – NJMEP’s station introduced students to how technology and machines help create everything from hockey gear to everyday products.

These stations weren’t just lessons—they were experiences. By shooting pucks, solving puzzles, and experimenting with real-world STEM principles, students got to learn by doing, making complex ideas easy to understand and fun to explore.

Building a Love for Learning

The goal of STEM Day was simple: make learning fun. And with the New Jersey Devils’ commitment to youth engagement and education, the event gave students a unique chance to see STEM in action in a setting they’ll never forget.

Shooting pucks to test physics principles, getting under the hood of a Zamboni, and experimenting with how things are made helped students connect STEM to their interests—making it more relatable and engaging.

NJMEP’s involvement brought an extra layer of discovery, helping students understand that STEM is also what makes everyday products, machines, and technology work. Whether it’s how a hockey stick is designed, how helmets keep players safe, or how machines build the things we use daily, this early exposure helps young minds see the world in a whole new way.

The Power of Partnerships: NJMEP & The New Jersey Devils

STEM Day was made possible through a collaboration between NJMEP and the New Jersey Devils, showcasing how community partnerships create lasting impacts on education and workforce development.

The Devils’ involvement in STEM education is part of their commitment to fostering youth engagement, education, and career exploration. Their platform amplifies awareness of STEM opportunities, making learning exciting and engaging for students.

NJMEP’s role in the event was to ensure that students not only learned about STEM in hockey but also discovered how these same skills translate to industries like manufacturing.

“Early engagement plays a crucial role in sparking interest in STEM fields,” said Peter Connolly, CEO at NJMEP. “Partnering with the New Jersey Devils allows students to experience hands-on STEM activities in a dynamic environment, planting the seeds for an interest in manufacturing and the career opportunities it offers.”

Through collaborative efforts like STEM Day, NJMEP continues to help young learners explore, experiment, and discover the world of STEM in ways that are fun, engaging, and unforgettable.

STEM Day’s Lasting Impact: Inspiring the Next Generation

The success of STEM Day was measured in smiles, excitement, and endless questions from students who walked away with a newfound curiosity for how the world works.

While these elementary schoolers may not be thinking about careers just yet, the seeds of exploration and discovery have been planted. Events like this ensure that, as they grow, they continue to see STEM as something engaging, exciting, and worth exploring.

With more STEM-focused initiatives on the horizon, NJMEP and the New Jersey Devils are committed to making learning interactive and fun—one student at a time.

For more information on STEM programs and education initiatives, contact NJMEP.