Howard County has launched a new mobile classroom to connect students across the County with hands-on learning experiences.
The STEAM Machine is a new mobile classroom managed by Howard County Public Library System (HCPLS) that will provide Howard County students with hands-on educational experiences in science, technology, engineering, art and math.
According to a press release:
The STEAM Machine is a 33’ Farber diesel bus featuring a climate-controlled classroom that seats 12 students and is equipped with Wi-Fi, laptop computers, two 49” LED TVs, sound system, and video production equipment. A 55” LCD monitor and two awnings allow classes to be taught and activities conducted outside.
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HCLS’ STEAM curriculum seeks to create a hands-on learning environment for students in grades K through 12. In its classes, students become scientists investigating real-world phenomena and engineers designing solutions to real-world problems. Howard County Library System received experiential science kits from BGE, Exelon Foundation and National Energy Development’s Energizing Student Potential, a STEM-based energy program.
On Twitter, on August 6, HCPLS unveiled the STEAM Machine and said, “Our new mobile classroom is ready to make science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education available to all students, especially those from disconnected communities.”
The STEAM Machine is funded in part by an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant through the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Maryland State Library Agency.
