Offering Idaho youth a chance to experiment, grow and learn
By Joshua Nishimoto
Looking for a fun and exciting way for your kids to get creative, tinker, and explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)? The Think Make Create (TMC) STEM Mobile Lab has arrived! This mobile lab, located at the Boundary County Extension Services Office, is full of fun hands-on learning and is available to be rented out by private parties, schools or businesses, and can be operated by a single individual, given proper training (training offered through Boundary County Extension Services).
This Think Make Create STEM mobile lab is just one of the 16 new mobile makerspace trailers deployed in communities across the state. Idaho youth now have greater access to hands-on learning because of these labs. More than 3,000 young people will use the new TMC Labs by the end of 2021. Each lab has been outfitted in part by high-school students, equipped with art supplies, educational materials, maker tools and curriculum to support STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) for pre-K through eighth grade youth.
MC Labs is brought to the community by The Idaho Out-Of-School Network and University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development. The TMC Lab project is the Idaho STEM EcosySTEM’s first official initiative and will benefit Idaho youth across the state. It ensures that Idaho youth have access to science, technology, engineering and math education opportunities and careers.
Come on down to the University of Idaho Extension Office, Boundary County, located at 6447 Kootenai Street in Bonners Ferry, and explore, think, make and create with TMC Lab, outfitted with the proper lab equipment. And since the trailer is mobile, it can be rented out and moved to an area of one’s choosing. Call 208.267.3235 to find out more and how you can reserve the TMC STEM Mobile Lab.