SHAmory Selected as Best in STEM 2021 in Newsweek

SHAmory is proud to announce that it has been selected as Best in STEM 2021 by Newsweek and STEM.org! This huge honor shows that the traditional education space is taking notice to the importance of Bitcoin and the blockchain technology that secures it. You can read the Newsweek article here. Being selected as 1 of 65 products out of over 2,000 is a true honor.

As we have said from the beginning, there are three important steps as Bitcoin continues to grow: Awareness, education and adoption. These steps need to reach an audience young and old. Since launching earlier in 2020, we are proud to be able to be able to provide STEM Authenticated Bitcoin education in a fun and engaging way. The stories we hear from players around the world truly touch our little Bitcoin monsters hearts. Keep them coming!

How was the Best in STEM 2021 list selected?

Compared to traditional toy award and product evaluation strategies with relatively high pay-to-play approval percentages (95%+), STEM.org Educational ResearchTM (SER) has taken into consideration 2,311 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-designated products from Q1 2015 – Q3 2020, abiding by its own proprietary 100-point scoring rubric — considered by many of the top brands as the industry standard. Interested parties can submit their items regardless of financial status on an ongoing basis and trust that SER does not financially benefit from the sale of any product bought or sold. The organization has issued its authentication to 68.2% or 1,577 out of 2,311. The top 65 or 4% of those item authenticated (2.8% total) have made this year’s Newsweek Best In STEM list.

What is STEM?

Great question. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM curriculum blends those subjects in order to teach “21st-century skills,” or tools students need to have if they wish to succeed in the workplace of the “future.” The idea is that in order to be prepared for jobs and compete with students from different parts of the world, students need to be able to solve problems, find and use evidence, collaborate on projects, and think critically. Skills, the thinking goes, that are taught in those subjects.

That’s great and all, but how is it different than normal math or science?

Another good one. What separates STEM from the traditional science and math education is the blended learning environment and showing students how the scientific method can be applied to everyday life. It teaches students computational thinking and focuses on the real world applications of problem solving. The younger a person starts STEM education, the better.

Why is STEM education important?

For many reasons, but not the least of which is the fact that jobs in the STEM field are on the same trajectory as Bictoin…to the moon that is. Between 2017 and 2027, the number of STEM jobs will grow 13 percent, compared to 9 percent for non-STEM jobs—with positions in computing, engineering, and advanced manufacturing leading the way. Overall, since 1990, employment in STEM occupations has grown 79%—increasing from 9.7 million to 17.3 million.

Ok, cool. But what is STEM.org?

STEM.org’s mission is to make quality STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education accessible to all. For almost 20 years, STEM.org has been at the forefront of the global, Pre-K – 12th grade STEM education movement. Through an extensive collaborative effort, STEM.org has worked closely with pedagogical researchers, a community of teachers, administrators, and schools to establish a respected set of benchmarks. The resources and proven best-practices of this community have led to the world’s first and most recognized STEM credentialing framework.

Why did SHAmory earn Authenticated STEM Educational Product certification?

Lets let Andrew Raupp, Founder and Executive Director of STEM.org, answer that one:

This achievement exhibits a true excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. SHAmory helps gamers learn the basics of Bitcoin and provides opportunities for players to strengthen their 21st Century Skills. This STEM.org Authenticated accomplishment will serve as an inspiration to others who aspire to be the best and reaffirms your ability to captivate those who value STEM in their communities. 

SHAmory’s inherent role in the educational ecosystem (both direct & indirect) has placed it in the unique, but challenging position of leading others by example, while striving for continued improvement of its products in the ever changing, highly competitive 21st century global economy.

Those are some heavy words that mean a lot to us, Andrew. Thank you!

What does this mean for SHAmory and the Bitcoin community?

In our eyes this recognition is further proof that Bitcoin is gaining awareness and validity in the traditional education space. Like we said before, it’s our mission to spread awareness, education and adoption. This authentication and recognition on the Best in STEM 2021 list will help SHAmory gain traction inside schools, after-school programs, STEM camps and beyond. Young kids enjoying a friendly game of SHAmory will be their first step down the Bitcoin rabbit hole. 

Are there bulk discounts for schools?

Yes! We are happy to connect with anyone interested in purchasing SHAmory in bulk for their school, camp or any other type of program. Feel free to shoot us an email at hi@shamory.com and we will get back to you.

Any last words?

Best in STEM 2021 recognition is only the beginning. It’s our pledge to the Bitcoin community that we will do all we can to leverage it in ways that support the future of Bitcoin. We thank everyone for the support. We wouldn’t have gotten this without you!

What is SHAmory?

Shamory is a Bitcoin card game for kids and adults. It is the perfect mixture of fun and education for anyone interested in learning about Bitcoin. Learn the basics of how mining works while earning Bitcoin rewards for each block you mine. 

SHAmory players will not only have a blast while playing, they will also be exposed to key features that have kept the Bitcoin network secure over the past decade. This simple exposure will help individuals become more comfortable with Bitcoin and create the next generation of Bitcoin HODLers. So grab a friend or two and start mining today!