News — It's quite a sight: A brightly colored trailer rolls up to a school, its doors opening to reveal a treasure trove of technical gadgets and scientific equipment, all neatly arranged and ready to be used by eager students, some as young as kindergarten.
These mobile fabrication labs — usually referred to as "Fab Labs" — are high-tech workshops on wheels, and they may soon be bringing science, technology, engineering and technology (STEM) projects and programs to K-16 educational institutions throughout the state.
In September, announced the debut of four ; one was presented to the CSU at its November meeting (see gallery below).
The labs join a global network of nearly 900 similar centers. CSU Bakersfield has a as well (though it is not mobile).
"[CSUDH mobile Fab Labs] are about inspiration, innovation and creativity," says , director of the campus' (CISE). "It's about kids believing that they can do and make anything they want."
Elevating STEM Education
The mobile Fab Labs — a partnership between CSU Dominguez Hills, Toyota USA Foundation, and the W.M. Keck Foundation — are staffed by CISE staff and CSUDH STEM students. Each is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment such as 3D scanners and printers, modeling software, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and, of course, computers.
Through the labs the university aims to:
- address the need for more qualified science and math teachers by getting kids interested in STEM at any early age
- inspire K-16 students through engaging STEM experiences
- graduate more women and minorities with STEM degrees leading to careers in related fields
"CSUDH is elevating STEM education to new levels. The Fab Lab project is truly a game-changer. It means K-16 students are going to experience STEM education like never before," says Dr. Hamdan, a CSU Dominguez Hills and San Diego State University alumnus.
The Toyota USA Foundation recently donated an additional $4 million for the design, construction and equipping of CSU Dominguez Hills' Toyota Center for Innovation in STEM Education. The center will be housed in the new 87,000-square-foot .
and see photos from a CSUDH mobile Fab Lab below.
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