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LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Learning Solution for K-8 Science

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Hands-on learning helps build confidence, yet only half of students have access to these experiences in science class, according to a new LEGO® Education report. LEGO® Education Science aims to change that.

BILLUND, Denmark, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, LEGO® Education announced its new learning solution, LEGO® Education Science, to help educators bring hands-on science learning to more students. Designed to boost engagement, LEGO Education Science features 120+ engaging, standards-aligned science lessons and ready-to-use class presentations that bring science to life for teachers and students (K-8 or ages 5-11+).

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/lego/9312551-en-lego-education-science-hands-on-learning 

Critical thinking skills and an understanding of science concepts and practices are increasingly needed for the future. Yet, the State of Classroom Engagement Report: Science Edition, a survey commissioned by LEGO Education, found that 45 percent of students who listed science as one of their “least favorite” subjects described it as “too hard”, and 37 percent felt they were “bad at it.” Notably, 58 percent of these students were girls, highlighting the ongoing STEM gap.

These findings underscore the need to reimagine science class to be more inclusive for students and teachers. In addition to understanding scientific concepts, science learning also plays a crucial role in developing skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. Every student deserves to succeed in science, and, together with educators, LEGO Education wants to make that a reality.

“Science teaches us to ask curious questions to understand the world around us,” said Victor Saeijs, President of LEGO Education. “If students think they’re not good at the subject or avoid it, we risk losing an entire generation of innovators and problem-solvers. We share your commitment as educators to excite and engage students with high-quality science education.”

With LEGO Education Science, teachers have everything they need to instantly engage students in scientific phenomena and spark student creativity and problem-solving through hands-on learning. Lessons are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), state, and national standards to easily integrate into existing curriculum. Students will learn about biomimicry (NGSS-LS1-1), ways the impact of natural events can be reduced (NGSS-4-ESS3-2), changes in kinetic energy (NGSS-MS-PS3-5), and much more.

Each lesson starts with a big question to spark curiosity and invite inquiry, while also connecting scientific principles to the real world for deeper comprehension. Students will explore multiple paths to a solution, ask key questions, and work with their peers. Kits are designed for use by up to four students together, with each student taking an active role in the lesson. This supports different learning abilities and develops collaboration and communication skills.

“It was inspiring to see my students’ enthusiasm and creativity flourish,” said Jill Snodgrass, a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Kernan Trail Elementary (Fla.) who tested the new solution with her class. “The tactile nature of working with LEGO bricks helps solidify their understanding by connecting abstract concepts to tangible outcomes. They were so excited to see their finished build for the lesson, especially when the rattlesnake used its shaking tail to ward off predators. Their collaboration and joy were truly a highlight of the day.”

Hands-on learning makes learning more accessible for all students, yet only 55 percent of students globally get these experiences in science class, according to the report. LEGO Education Science unlocks ‘aha’ moments for students, empowers teachers, and engages the whole classroom with hands-on, collaborative lessons. Over 3,000 students in over 100 classrooms tested the new learning solution throughout its development.

“One of the most powerful things we can do as educators is to instill a lifelong love of learning in our students,” said Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience at LEGO Education. “LEGO Education Science supports educators across the world to bring science standards to life in a new way with ready-made lessons and high quality, reusable LEGO bricks and hardware. I can’t wait to see these learning experiences in the hands of students.”

LEGO Education Science will begin shipping in August 2025. To learn more and sign up for updates, visit: www.LEGOEducation.com/science.

About LEGO Education Science

Includes 120+ lessons, teacher materials, and carefully selected LEGO bricks and hardware to enable hands-on learningProvides getting started materials, lessons, standards mapping, facilitation notes, and ready-to-teach class presentations through the online Teacher PortalFlexibility for teachers to select lessons based on grade bands (approximately 40 lessons per kit) or in the way that best supports their curriculum needsDesigned for use by up to four students per kit for increased collaboration and engagementAvailable in three kits by grade band. In the U.S., it is recommended to purchase classroom bundles, but if purchased separately, the cost per kit is included below. In other markets, please contact your LEGO Education authorized reseller for complete pricing and availability.LEGO Education Science Kit K-2 ($329)277 LEGO bricks1 double motorUSB charging cableBuilding instructionsLEGO Education Science Kit 3-5 ($399)335 LEGO bricks1 double motor1 controller2 connection cardsUSB charging cableBuilding instructionsLEGO Education Science Kit 6-8 ($499)424 LEGO bricks1 single motor1 double motor1 controller1 color sensor3 connection cardsUSB charging cableBuilding instructions

About the State of Classroom Engagement Report: Science Edition 
A global survey conducted by LEGO Education of over 6,000 K-8 teachers, parents, students, and U.S. education administrators. Markets included Australia, Germany, South Korea, the UK, and the U.S. Total sample size: 6,650, including 2,400 teachers, 2,000 parents, 2,000 students (aged 5-14), and 250 U.S. education administrators. Fieldwork was completed May 15, 2024-June 15, 2024.

Download the report here. Key findings include:

Only a third (37 percent) of parents and half (52 percent) of science teachers surveyed globally believe students are engaged in science.The majority of science teachers (73 percent) do not feel equipped to engage students in science, and 50 percent of U.S. administrators reported they don’t understand how to effectively use science-specific resources.Most science teachers and parents surveyed believe science education cultivates curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are critical skills in the classroom and beyond.Students with access to hands-on learning experiences are 1.5 times more likely to be confident in learning science than those that don’t.Three out of four science teachers who incorporate hands-on learning agree it fosters higher test scores and grades.

About LEGO Education
At LEGO Education, we are committed to providing educators and students with the most engaging, joyful learning experiences the classroom has ever seen. Part of the LEGO Group, our future-focused team of educators and innovators has built K-8 learning experiences for 45 years based on the LEGO brick, our learning through play methodology, and standards-driven learning outcomes. Together, we can equip every student with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and empower them to rebuild the world better than they found it.

LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks and/or copyrights of the LEGO Group. ©2025 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.

Media Contact
Kelley Brescia
Kelley.brescia@LEGO.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lego-education-announces-hands-on-learning-solution-for-k-8-science-302350164.html

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IGT Maintains Responsible Gaming Leadership with World Lottery Association Recertification

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LONDON, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — International Game Technology PLC (“IGT”) (NYSE: IGT) announced today that its lottery and iLottery operations have been recertified by the World Lottery Association (“WLA”) for WLA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Standards and Responsible Gaming Framework for Suppliers. WLA’s responsible gaming standards, a worldwide accreditation program for gaming industry operators and suppliers, were created to minimize the impact of problem gambling. This global certification confirms IGT’s alignment with the WLA’s standards.

“WLA’s recertification of IGT’s lottery and iLottery operations validates our responsible gaming industry leadership and our ongoing commitment to providing our lottery customers worldwide with effective responsible gaming technologies,” said Wendy Montgomery, IGT SVP, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability. “Advancing Responsibility is a key pillar in IGT’s Sustainable Play program and serves as a guiding principle for everything we do. We operate with the highest level of integrity to protect our people, products and processes, and this certification endorses those efforts.”

To determine IGT’s WLA recertification, WLA-approved assessor Gambling Integrity Services conducted a thorough assessment into IGT’s lottery operations that culminated in an independent auditor’s report on IGT’s alignment with the eight sections of the WLA standards. These standards include research, employee programs, product and service development, remote gaming environment, advertising and marketing communications, client awareness, stakeholder engagement and reporting.

For more information on IGT’s global sustainability program, visit IGT.com, or follow IGT on LinkedIn.

About IGT
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is a global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 jurisdictions around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 11,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning International Game Technology PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, products and services, customer relationships, results of operations, or financial condition, or otherwise, including the various environmental, social, governance and sustainability initiatives, based on current beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “shall,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project” or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company’s control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance, or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) the factors and risks described in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended December 31, 2023 and other documents led from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.IGT.com. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors and other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to International Game Technology PLC, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contact:
Phil O’Shaughnessy, Global Communications, toll free in U.S./Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada +1 (401) 392-7452
Matteo Selva, Italian media inquiries, +39 366 6803635
James Hurley, Investor Relations, +1 (401) 392-7190

© 2025 IGT

The trademarks and/or service marks used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of IGT, its affiliates or its licensors.

 

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SOURCE International Game Technology PLC

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Gov. Moore Launches $1 Billion “Capital of Quantum” Initiative Anchored by UMD

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Strategic Partnership Aims to Cement State and Greater-D.C. Region as a World-leading Hub for Quantum Science and Innovation

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Governor Wes Moore today joined University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines and IonQ President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Chapman to announce the “Capital of Quantum” Initiative – a landmark public-private partnership that will catalyze $1 billion in investments to position Maryland as a global leader in quantum information science and technology. The initiative was announced during an event highlighting the Governor’s economic growth agenda for the 2025 Legislative Session and hosted at IonQ, a leading quantum computing and networking firm partially founded on UMD research and headquartered in the university’s Discovery District.

“Quantum has the potential to transform every part of our economy and society, from national security to health care,” said Gov. Moore. “With extraordinary assets and partnerships, Maryland can—and should—lead in this new emerging sector, and we are moving forward with a clear strategy to make that vision a reality. Together, we will make Maryland the quantum capital of the world.”

This strategic partnership between the State of Maryland, the University of Maryland and private and federal partners, aims to unlock more than $1 billion in investments — a combination of state funds, matching federal grants, private sector investments and philanthropic contributions — over the next five years. It will firmly establish the greater D.C. region, anchored by the University of Maryland, as one of the world’s top quantum epicenters.

Recognizing Maryland’s unique assets and strategic advantages to grow the state’s quantum science and technology sector, Gov. Moore last month signed an executive order that identified quantum computing as an industry that the Moore-Miller Administration will be prioritizing through state investment and support. 

Gov. Moore’s FY 2026 budget submission includes $27.5 million as the state’s initial investment toward the Capital of Quantum initiative, which is expected to spur more than $200 million in University of Maryland and partner investments to support academic, technical, workforce and ecosystem support. The Moore-Miller Administration has also committed continued funding for the construction of Zupnik Hall, a new $244 million state-of-the-art facility that includes more than $58 million in private investments and $185.4 million from the state, that will feature quantum labs on the University of Maryland campus. With additional funding over the next several years from the state, federal agencies, private sector partners and other sources, state and university leaders are driving toward a $1 billion investment. 

“We are deeply grateful to Gov. Moore for his visionary investment in building a brighter future for Maryland’s economy,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. “He recognizes the immense potential of quantum technology and the possibilities we can explore if we work together to position our region as the global Capital of Quantum. We look forward to collaborating with the Governor’s office and regional partners to ensure that this investment yields lasting benefits for all Marylanders.”

With the launch of the Capital of Quantum Initiative, the University of Maryland will move forward with plans to:

Recruit top quantum scientists and engineers from around the world to join the ranks of 200+ UMD quantum faculty – one of the largest concentrations in the world – to usher in a new wave of discovery and innovation.Expand access to the National Quantum Laboratory (QLab), a unique UMD partnership with IonQ that provides students, researchers and entrepreneurs from around the world with hands-on access to quantum computers and scientists.Hire highly skilled test and evaluation experts to support quantum-focused projects and construct a new building for UMD’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security, one of only 15 designated Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) around the nation and the only UARC dedicated to intelligence and security.Create additional facilities to house an expanded Quantum Startup Foundry, a business accelerator based in UMD’s Discovery District that provides resources and support for entrepreneurs and startups bringing quantum technologies to market.Launch education, outreach and training initiatives to include high school quantum curriculum, masters and certificate programs and workforce retraining opportunities.

Subject to the Governor’s budget being approved, IonQ, an anchor partner in the initiative, will grow its corporate headquarters into a 100,000 square feet facility with data center, laboratories, and office space within UMD’s Discovery District. IonQ also intends to double its corporate headquarters workforce to at least 250 people in the Maryland region over the next five years. Today’s announcement, once approved by the legislature, is expected to create high paying and skilled jobs in diverse fields such as construction, software and hardware engineering, operations, applied physics, networking and more.

“Investing in quantum computing is investing in Maryland’s future,” said Peter Chapman, President and CEO of IonQ. “Through Governor Moore’s strategic economic development initiative and proposed investment in quantum, he is not only supporting cutting-edge research and innovation but fostering economic growth and job creation in the state. The Governor’s commitment is a testament to his vision for the pivotal role that quantum science will play in the state’s economic development and technological leadership. This investment will also enhance our collaboration with the University of Maryland to solidify the region as a global leader in quantum innovation.”

Quantum and the University of Maryland

The University of Maryland is home to one of the world’s largest cohorts of quantum scientists and engineers, built on decades of foundational research and deep partnerships with government labs, agencies and industry. As understanding of the quantum universe expands, UMD fosters new tools to grow the state of Maryland’s and the nation’s economies and solve society’s biggest challenges.

Quantum technologies harness fundamental properties of nature to open new frontiers in computing power, precision sensing, secure communications and more. They hold promise for a wide range of breakthroughs, such as accelerating the design of new chemicals and materials, revolutionizing data encryption and creating advanced medical diagnostic tools. According to a 2024 analysis by McKinsey & Company, quantum technology is expected to generate up to $2 trillion in value for businesses by 2035. 

UMD’s vibrant quantum business ecosystem includes IonQ, a leading quantum computing firm headquartered in UMD’s Discovery District; a growing roster of firms in other quantum subfields; and a university-run business accelerator, the Quantum Startup Foundry. Fueled by graduates of our quantum academic programs, the university is sparking an industry that could one day become a major high-tech sector centered in the state of Maryland.

Learn more at quantum.umd.edu. 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gov-moore-launches-1-billion-capital-of-quantum-initiative-anchored-by-umd-302351003.html

SOURCE University of Maryland

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Zoomd’s Director and former CEO, Ofer Eitan, Establishes Automatic Share Disposition Plan

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TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Zoomd Technologies Ltd. (TSXV: ZOMD) (OTC: ZMDTF) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Zoomd Ltd. (collectively, “Zoomd” or the “Company”), the marketing tech (MarTech) user-acquisition and engagement platform, announced today that Ofer Eitan, one of the Company’s directors, former CEO, who previously served as the founder and CEO of Moblin (which merged with Zoomd in 2017) has established an Automatic Securities Disposition Plan (“ASDP”) in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation and the Company’s insider trading policy.

The ASDP permits trades to be made in accordance with pre-arranged instructions given to the independent broker administering the ASDP, which include a general 10% daily volume restriction  when Mr. Eitan was not in possession of any material undisclosed information. The terms of the ASDP prohibit the broker administering the ASDP from consulting with Mr. Eitan regarding any sales under the ASDP and otherwise prohibits Mr. Eitan from exercising any discretion or influence over how dispositions will occur.

Up to two million (2,000,000) may be sold under the ASDP, subject to a minimum floor price set in the ASDP. The ASDP is designed to allow for an orderly disposition of such securities to be sold until December 31, 2025. The first trades under the ASDP will not occur before May 5, 2025.

The ASDP prohibits Mr. Eitan from amending, suspending or terminating the ASDP.

This announcement is made and will be available on SEDAR+ at www.SEDARplus.ca pursuant to the recommended practices set forth in Staff Notice 55-317 – Automatic Securities Disposition Plans of the Canadian Securities Administrators (“SN 55-317”). Dispositions pursuant to the ASDP will be reported by Mr. Eitan in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation and SN 55-317.

ABOUT ZOOMD:

Zoomd (TSXV: ZOMD, OTC: ZMDTF), established in 2012 and listed on the TSX Venture Exchange since September 2019, provides an innovative mobile app user-acquisition platform that integrates with numerous global digital media outlets. This platform presents a unified view of multiple media sources, thereby serving as a comprehensive user acquisition control center for advertisers. It streamlines campaign management through a single point of contact, simplifying customer acquisition efforts. The consolidation of media sources onto one platform enables Zoomd to offer advertisers substantial savings by reducing the need for disparate data source integration, enhancing data collection and insights, and minimizing resource expenditure.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Company Media Contacts:
Amit Bohensky
Chairman
Zoomd
ir@zoomd.com
Website: www.zoomd.com

Investor relations:
Lytham Partners, LLC
Ben Shamsian
New York | Phoenix
ZOMD@lythampartners.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1039696/5116201/Zoomd_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zoomds-director-and-former-ceo-ofer-eitan-establishes-automatic-share-disposition-plan-302350981.html

SOURCE Zoomd Technologies Ltd.

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