Mobile STEM lab gives Navasota elementary students opportunity to apply science and math to real-life challenges

First graders Ramon Martinez and Susie Pate both said their favorite part was creating homes, both of which fell the first time. Pate, who said she is interested in all types of science, said she learned that working together as a team is better.

There is a push in Texas and throughout the United States, Aguilar said, to use hands-on activities to encourage science and STEM education and to do so at an earlier age. “I feel like starting them off young, especially at first grade, kindergarten level is essential, so they could have those skills as they go throughout their schooling, and hopefully, will lead into going to college,” he said. “I feel like it’s a good opportunity that could project or have a major difference in their life, and especially in the occasion they do go on to pursue a higher education as well.”

Dropping In on STEM Education

An education partnership is looking to increase interest in STEM programs among area middle school students by literally dropping in at some local schools. The Drop Anywhere Lab is being used by the education non-profit Learning Undefeated to help grow kids’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Learning Undefeated has partnered with Astra Zeneca and the WRK Group (Reach Riverside and The Warehouse) to bring the Drop Anywhere Lab to several schools over the next several weeks.