Students need exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts to succeed in our changing society. Yet not all schools have the resources for a dedicated, stand-alone STEM lab. Mobile STEM carts can bridge this gap.
An organized, on-the-go STEM cart is an effective tool for teaching and learning. These mobile STEM carts are exciting changes in routine that increase engagement, and they streamline the teaching process for instructors and specialists.
Creating an Efficient Layout
Customization is a major benefit of building a cart for STEM activities. Every mobile lab is built with a school’s unique needs in mind.
Plan for Accessibility
Arrange STEM materials and equipment so they’re easy to access. Lessons run more smoothly when you don’t need to dig through materials to find what you need.
- Organize items in the order they’ll be used.
- Consider workflow and traffic patterns to reduce congestion.
Zone by Activity
Divide cart regions into zones for different activities like coding, group work, and experiments. These zones should be easily accessible and function like traditional STEM classroom stations.
Smart Storage Solutions
Labeled Bins and Containers
Clear, labeled containers let everyone find supplies at a glance. Transparent boxes and bins are the best solution for storing supplies, tools, and materials. Group items by activity zone, or store similar items together. Place color-coded labels on containers and items for quick identification.
Cable Management
Use a mix of cable ties, clips, fasteners, and organizers to reduce clutter. You can maximize space and extend the life of your devices by keeping cords organized and tangle-free. Proper cable management also reduces tripping hazards.
Portable Organizers
Smaller containers like caddies and toolboxes are perfect for storing small tools and components. It’s easy to keep track of these small items when they have a dedicated home.
Maintaining Tidiness
Make clean-up an expected part of every STEM cart visit. Engage students in keeping the cart clean during and after instruction — it’s a great opportunity for a group discussion about responsibility, ownership, and agency.
Flexibility for Changes
Don’t just be open to feedback about the STEM cart — actively seek it out. Encourage comments from educators and students to help refine the lab’s layout, storage, and more. The feedback cycle should center student experiences in the learning process.
Explore STEM Carts with SAM Labs
SAM Labs offers the resources you need to achieve higher student engagement, deeper content understanding, and optimized educator time. Our mobile STEM resources help you foster computational thinking, coding, engineering design, and other 21st-century skills.