What is the STEM Mobile Lab?
The Missouri AfterSchool Network STEM Mobile Lab transports an afterschool-designed lab of hands-on activities featuring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to afterschool programs across the state of Missouri. The lab is driven by a MASN STEM Educator who not only brings supplies and equipment needed for selected activities, but also leads professional development for afterschool staff. This on-site learning lab is available by registration for a program-week designed to include 3-5 consecutive days with 10+ hours of afterschool programming and/or special events.
Next Steps
The STEM Mobile Lab opportunity is available to afterschool programs through registration. After completing the registration form, programs will be invoiced for $5,000. Once reserved, the MASN team will initiate consultation with program leaders to customize the STEM Mobile Lab experience and professional development.
What is Included in the $5,000 fee?
Prior to the on-site STEM Lab experience:
- Consultation initiated by MASN team member with the afterschool leadership team after registration form is complete. This session will be hosted on a virtual platform as we discuss and plan a customized STEM Mobile Lab experience inclusive of professional development and hands-on youth activities to be offered on-site by a STEM Mobile Lab Educator.
- Review and submit MASN STEM Mobile Lab Agreement.
- Consultation about desired activities (activities and playlist are designed for K-12) with guidance through selection process, and professional development and mentorship for the program staff.
- Dates are selected and reserved for the STEM Mobile Lab to visit program site. The MASN STEM educator will be sent with supplies for the picked activities. The educator will stay in the city of the program or as close as possible for the duration of the visit.
- The Educator will consult with the program staff and go over what the plans are, finding out their comfort level and understanding of the STEM Mobile Lab. The Educator will see if there are other needs or concerns and answer the questions presented.
- On-site STEM Mobile Lab – Example: The STEM Mobile Lab Educator will lead a hands-on experience with the students and staff. The staff will take on a more hands-on approach as the activities continue.
On-site STEM Mobile Lab – EXAMPLE
Day 1:
- STEM Mobile Lab Introductory Meeting. (1 – 2 hours) The objective of this time is to meet with the STEM Mobile Lab Educator and to become acquainted with the STEM Mobile lab process. The MASN team invites afterschool staff and site leaders as we kick-off our goals of co-facilitating STEM throughout the week!
- Set-up, allow 30 minutes prior to the workshop for preparation to set up the selected space.
- STEM Mobile Lab: Session 1 (Hands-on youth activity with selected age/group of afterschool members. Refer to STEM Mobile Lab Playlist Descriptions for session descriptions by grade level.)
- Transition cleanup and setup, allow for 15 minutes for transition time.
- STEM Mobile Lab: Session 2 (additional sessions provided as time allows)
- Clean-up: provide 30 minutes for session cleanup and securing lab equipment in locked space.
- At the end of the day, the STEM Mobile Lab Educator will work with the staff and go over what went well, what they saw, and answer any questions the staff may have. After the conversation, the STEM Mobile Lab Educator will go over the next session/Day Activities.
Structure of Days:
- Check-in! STEM Mobile Lab Educator and afterschool site team reviews the prior day and plan for continued co-facilitation.
- Professional Development, 2 hours (refer to STEM Mobile Lab Professional Development List)
- Set-up, allow 30 minutes prior to the workshop for preparation to set up the selected space.
- STEM Mobile Lab: Session 1 (Hands-on youth activity with selected age/group of afterschool members. Refer to STEM Mobile Lab Playlist Descriptions for session descriptions by grade level.)
- Transition cleanup and setup, allow for 15 minutes for transition time.
- STEM Mobile Lab: Session 2
- Clean-up: provide 30 minutes for session cleanup and securing lab equipment in locked space.
* A Youth Showcase can be selected from the STEM Mobile Lab Playlist of activities.