Texas K-8 Mobile STEM Lab

In partnership with Learning Undefeated, TEA introduced the Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory program in the 2021-22 school year. Each mobile lab provides engaging, hands-on educational experiences for students and teachers using a custom-outfitted STEM learning space. During the 88th Legislative Session, the Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory program received additional funding to expand the fleet to nine mobile units. The full fleet will begin operation in 2025-2026.

The Texas Mobile STEM Labs are custom-outfitted STEM learning spaces. The mobile labs offer a blend of career and skills education, providing flexible in-classroom resources that empower teachers with new skills and content ideas while serving multiple classes simultaneously with engaging, hands-on experiences.

Onboard the Texas Mobile STEM Lab, kindergarten through grade 8 students solve engineering design challenges and work cooperatively to design a product or process using model STEM activities developed by Learning Undefeated, with support from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), that integrate content knowledge aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). This program is offered at no cost to participating schools.

The Texas Mobile STEM Lab offers cross-curricular STEM experiences. These activities will introduce STEM to students from kindergarten through Grade 8, and allow students to engage with the engineering design process. Learning Undefeated will provide the materials needed to complete engineering design challenges focused on brainstorming, designing, and testing.  All activities focus on students designing solutions to problems and allow for collaboration and exploration of the content.

Eligibility

All Texas public schools offering classes for grades K-8 are eligible to request a visit. At least two school districts from every educational region will receive a visit each school year. At least one visit in each region will be given to schools in rural areas and those demonstrating high economic need (majority student body that qualifies for free and reduced meals). 

Registration

Teachers and administrators can request a visit to their school during the spring registration window, which opens each year in April and closes in May.  The 2024-2025 campus schedule will be announced in late June. Click the video for more information about the Texas Mobile STEM Lab application process.

Free Mobile Lab Curriculum

In partnership with TEA, Learning Undefeated created an adaptable, cross-disciplinary framework and model activities for the Texas Mobile STEM Lab to introduce Texas teachers and students to principles of engineering design aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The Components of engineering design included in the lessons are defining a problem, identifying criteria and constraints, designing, building, testing, evaluating, and iteration.

• Link to K-8 STEM Lessons

Mobile STEM Lab Features

The Texas Mobile STEM Labs use Learning Undefeated’s trailer, with advanced technology and laboratory equipment, to create an immersive learning environment for 24 students, their teachers, and a Learning Undefeated facilitator. Technology includes a large format touchscreen TV, surround sound, and LED lighting.

The Texas Mobile STEM Lab is self-sufficient with its own water, electricity, heating, and cooling. It is also equipped with a shoreline for electrical power. Other features of the lab include the following:

• Research-grade science and technology equipment and resources
• Chemical resistant surfaces
• Integrated technology, augmented reality, and game-based learning
• Full-time support staff to support teacher professional development and student instruction
• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and exits
• Flexible outdoor space, convertible fixtures, and moveable storage

The mobile laboratories transport classroom resource carts for teacher-led hands-on activities. All activities are TEA-approved and aligned to the TEKS curriculum for each grade level. Classroom teachers will have access to TEA-approved TEKS-aligned curriculum, resources, equipment, and on-site support from the Mobile STEM Laboratory during their visit.

For more information regarding the program, go to Texas Mobile STEM Labs.