STEM Labs: Texas’ Way to Incorporate STEM Education
By: Alexis S.
When people hear about Texas education many people think of higher education, such as the University of Texas, St.Edward’s University, and Texas A&M. Although Texas is home to many great universities, what about their K-12 education system? According to Education Week, Texas averages about a C- when it comes to overall in a study for K-12 achievement and education finances. Now, what could be some reasons for Texas’ low score? Over the years, technology has changed so much. The lack of proper financial distribution could affect the learning capabilities of our children. Looking back at Education Week’s article, Texas scored a D+ in the financial spending portion, which is below the nation’s average of B+. Although Texas is not the highest-scoring state, they have started to incorporate a few things into its education curriculum regarding STEM, which is a good start.
One thing in particular that I want to focus on is the partnership that the State of Texas has created with Learning Undefeated, an organization focused on bringing STEM education to “under-resourced communities.” Learning Undefeated sent a few of their MdBio labs to Texas in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey, in hopes of helping the schools that were damaged. Since then they have introduced Mobile Labs also known as “Drop Anywhere Labs” all over the country.
What is a Mobile Lab?
These labs offer a new way for schools to incorporate STEM into their classrooms and curriculum. Shipping containers were used to create these labs, which include HVAC, electricity, and running water. According to Learning Undefeated, the Texas STEM Mobile Labs include extra lab space, and “research-grade equipment and resources.” They are also wheelchair accessible, so no one is left behind.
How do we get them to come to our schools?
Are you interested in bringing one of these mobile labs to your child’s school? There are many different types of mobile labs that are offered, for example, Port Labs. Port Labs are for Texas public schools in the Corpus area, for school grades K-12. They also offer the Texas STEM Labs, which are, according to Learning Undefeated, for any Texas public school from grades K-8. Priority will be given to The application for the 2023/2024 school year opens in April, and can be found on Learning Undefeated’s website. If you are in Texas and do not qualify for any of the labs, The Texas Education Agency offers a STEM Toolkit to help incorporate STEM into the K-12 curriculum. Now, if you are not someone who lives in the great state of Texas, don’t worry! Learning undefeated has many other labs that are able to ship all over the country.
Having a relationship with Learning Undefeated, Texas is heading in the right direction. Not only has Texas made this partnership but in recent years Texas has vowed to make STEM a part of every subject by the year 2025, according to a news report from NBC Dallas Forth Worth. As a guardian, or even school teacher or staff, reach out and get these labs to your school! The advantages your students will gain are endless. If you wish to learn more check out Learning Undefeated and Texas Education Agency.
Edited by: Amanda R.
