By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
Students attending Port Isabel Junior High School are getting a hands on introduction to engineering and problem solving thanks to a traveling STEM education lab funded through the Texas Education Agency.
The mobile learning lab, operated through Learning Undefeated, visited the campus this week, giving middle school students the opportunity to participate in interactive engineering design challenges.
According to Rebecca Salazar, Library Media Specialist at Port Isabel Junior High School, the campus applied for the STEM lab when the application window opened last spring.
“I believe they received around 1,000 applications and 250 campuses were chosen,” Salazar said.
Hailey Burleson, Education Outreach Coordinator for the Learning Undefeated program, clarified that approximately 270 campuses were ultimately selected statewide this school year and that the organization currently operates eight mobile STEM labs throughout Texas that travel to public schools and provide immersive engineering experiences for students.
“This one is called Bottle Rocket Truck,” Burleson said while demonstrating a student activity inside the colorful mobile lab. “Students build a truck using recycled materials, then use a chemical reaction to propel it forward.”
The lesson combines science, engineering and budgeting skills. Students are given play money to “purchase” supplies and must work within a set budget while designing their projects.
The lab can accommodate up to 30 students at a time, though Burleson said about 24 students is the most comfortable group size. Classes rotate through hour-long sessions throughout the school day.
In addition to the Bottle Rocket Truck challenge, students also explored biomimicry, the concept of using nature as inspiration for engineering solutions. One activity challenged students to design prosthetic arms inspired by animals or natural structures.
“We walk them through the entire engineering design process,” Burleson said. “From identifying the problem, to imagining solutions, planning, testing and improving.”
The curriculum also introduces students to a variety of engineering careers, including aerospace, mechanical and design engineering. Burleson said one of the most rewarding parts of the program is watching students gain confidence through experimentation.
“I like the lightbulb moments,” she said. “When they realize, ‘I created this thing and it works.’ They see in real time that they’re capable of doing it.”
This particular STEM lab served sixth- through eighth-grade students at Port Isabel Junior High School and also included a Family STEM Night that was open to the public, allowing parents and community members to participate in hands on activities alongside students.
Applications for schools interested in hosting the program next year are currently open through May 29. Educators can learn more through the Texas Education Agency website or at learningundefeated. org.
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