Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Mobile Fab Lab Brings "STEAM Education on the Go"

  • By Yvonne Marquez
  • 09/24/19

Bucks County Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania debuted a new mobile fab lab that brings “STEAM education on the go.”

The mobile fab lab is a van equipped with the latest in science technology that will prepare students for the workforce. The lab’s first stop is at Seylar Elementary School where it will stay for a week and then move on to other elementary and middle schools in all 13 county school districts for week-long residencies.

Bucks County Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania debuted a new mobile fab lab that brings “STEAM education on the go.”

The equipment is unloaded and placed in a cafeteria or gym for students and teachers to use. A designated specialist is assigned to the van and tailors age-appropriate curricula for each school utilizing the equipment.

Students can look forward to working with:

  • Two 3-D printers;
  • A silhouette portrait fabricator;
  • A vinyl cutter;
  • A computer numerical controller router;
  • A laser cutter; and
  • Various robotics equipment.

“The Mobile Fab Lab will support innovative teaching and learning in schools throughout all of Bucks County,” Bucks County IU Executive Director Mark Hoffman told a local newspaper. “Having a van that can move between schools allows the districts to bring cutting-edge, modern equipment directly to the students and their teachers. This helps to ensure that Bucks County schools are preparing young people today for the jobs they’ll hold tomorrow.”

The van was purchased and equipped using a $412,000 PAsmart grant from the state’s Department of Education.

About the Author

Yvonne Marquez is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Rhode Island Boarding School Completes Student Dorm Renovations

    St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I., recently announced the completion of a $26-million renovation project on Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, according to a news release. The school partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) on the new space, which places a new focus on collaborative community spaces open to both boarding students and day students.

  • California K–12 District Finishes Renovations on Multi-Sport Stadium

    The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) in Alameda, Calif., recently announced the completion of a renovation project on the Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School stadium, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Bothman Construction on the facility, and funding came from Bond Measure B.

  • University of Arizona Approves New Residence Hall

    The Arizona Board of Regents recently approved plans for a new residence hall at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., according to a news release. The new facility is scheduled to open in fall 2028 and have the capacity for more than 1,200 students, enforcing a new university expectation that all first-year students live on campus.

  • Illinois District Boosts Security at High-School Stadium

    Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Ill., recently announced that it has completed the redesigned entrance to its high school stadium with a new focus on school security and community engagement, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers on the project as part of District #157’s year-long facilities master plan.