BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today launched a new digital curriculum for high-school students, parents and educators as part of Generation Beyond, its free, online STEM education program used in thousands of U.S. classrooms. The new Generation Beyond: Aviation curriculum includes video challenges, a virtual field trip to Lockheed Martin's famous Skunk Works® and surprise STEM lab takeovers in select U.S. high schools.

"Generation Beyond: Aviation uses the excitement of aerospace to inspire and educate high school students about STEM careers," said Michele Evans, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics business. "We're challenging high school students to think differently, take risks, innovate and collaborate – skills that are necessary to succeed in today's high-tech economy."  

The new Generation Beyond: Aviation curriculum puts students in the shoes of scientists and engineers to tackle real-world technology challenges – from fighting wildfires to making flight suits for military pilots safer. Students will learn about a range of cutting-edge technology areas, apply critical thinking skills, discover the exciting work that a STEM career can offer and hear directly from people who are doing that exciting work today.

The curriculum's Virtual Field Trip: Think Like the Skunk Works® will premiere live from Palmdale, California on Tues., Dec. 4, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Students will travel virtually to Lockheed Martin's famous Skunk Works, go behind the scenes, and meet some of the "skunks" pioneering technologies that will change the future of flight. Educators, classrooms and communities can register for the virtual field trip at generationbeyondinschool.com.

As part of Generation Beyond: Aviation, Lockheed Martin will also surprise select high school classrooms in multiple U.S. communities in early 2019 with STEM challenges. Lockheed Martin engineers and scientists will visit classrooms, work alongside students to complete "top-secret" missions and engage them in the interesting work STEM careers offer.

Lockheed Martin launched Generation Beyond in 2016 in partnership with Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms.

In addition to supporting STEM educators and developing career-focused STEM education curriculum like Generation Beyond, Lockheed Martin has directed $50 million in previously announced tax reform savings to fund STEM scholarships over the next five years, and $100 million to ensure our existing employees are prepared for jobs of the future through education and training opportunities.

About Lockheed Martin:
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. This year, the company received three Edison Awards for groundbreaking innovations in autonomy, satellite technology and directed energy. Learn more at www.lockheedmartin.com.

About Discovery Education:
As the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12 classrooms worldwide, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional learning, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 4.5 million educators and over 50 million students, Discovery Education's services are available in approximately half of U.S. classrooms, 50 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries around the globe. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase academic achievement. Explore the future of education at DiscoveryEducation.com.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin