A group of middle school students from Fountain Valley recently had an unconventional field trip experience. Instead of visiting typical educational destinations like museums or zoos, these young learners spent a day at Hyundai’s North American headquarters, which is also located in Fountain Valley.
The event was organized by Brandon Ramirez, a long-time Hyundai employee, with the goal of inspiring students to consider future careers in the automotive industry, specifically with Hyundai and Genesis. The day began with an in-depth presentation from Hyundai and Genesis staff, giving students insight into the vehicle planning process.
Following this, the students engaged in a hands-on activity where they were tasked with creating small-scale vehicles using recycled materials, or as Hyundai refers to it, “upcycled” materials. This creative exercise allowed the students to sketch out their ideas before bringing them to life using hot glue and their imagination.
Amy Peterson, a science teacher from Fulton Middle School who accompanied her students on the trip, expressed her enthusiasm for this approach. She emphasized the importance of hands-on activities in the learning process, stating that it’s the most effective way for students to engage their creative minds and absorb information.
The field trip also included an outdoor component where students had the opportunity to examine an electric Genesis GV60 up close. Bryson Cain, a product planner, provided a guided tour of the vehicle, demonstrating its advanced features. One of the highlights was the remote parking feature, which Cain showcased by having the car reverse into a parking spot without anyone inside. He explained that the system is designed to stop if it detects any obstacles, and that he maintained control by keeping his finger on the remote.
Another impressive feature Cain demonstrated was the facial
recognition technology that allows drivers to unlock the car simply by looking at a specific area between the front and rear doors. Throughout these demonstrations, the students were encouraged to interact with the vehicle, sitting inside and exploring its various features.
This hands-on approach was a consistent theme throughout the day, with no “do not touch” rules in place. The 13- and 14-year-old students were given free rein to explore and experience the modern vehicle, which was the result of collaborative efforts from hundreds of professionals in the automotive industry.
The overarching goal of this unique field trip was to provide these middle school students with a tangible connection to potential future careers. By exposing them to the various aspects of automotive design, engineering, and production, Hyundai aimed to plant seeds of interest that could potentially grow into career aspirations.
This innovative approach to education demonstrates a growing trend of businesses partnering with schools to provide real-world experiences for students. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application, such initiatives can help young people better understand the relevance of their studies and the diverse career opportunities that await them in the future.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, particularly with the shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles, inspiring the next generation of innovators becomes increasingly crucial. Field trips like this one not only educate students about current technology but also encourage them to imagine and potentially shape the future of transportation.