CRESCO, Iowa (November 3, 2014) — New educational opportunities await students of the Klein Independent School District (Klein ISD) in Texas, due to a new mobile classroom outfitted inside a custom-built Featherlite trailer.
Known as the STEAM Express, the 48 ft. mobile classroom features several learning stations equipped with touchscreen computers, TVs and robots. It offers hands-on opportunities to further students’ education in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and math, all important components of the district’s curriculum. The mobile classroom features displays from architecture, geology, engineering, robotics, health, meteorology and space exploration.
“Students will learn like a scientist in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and math,” Cindy Doyle, Education Foundation director, said. “Students will gather data in real time and do field investigations while learning how each subject is utilized in real world applications.”
The mobile classroom has Internet and video streaming capabilities and a 55 inch monitor. The TV monitor is viewable from the exterior of the mobile classroom when the drop down stage and awning are set up. It also has a wheelchair lift and ramp to make it accessible for all students.
Representatives from the Klein ISD Education Foundation and PBK Architects worked with Featherlite dealer SportChassis/Featherlite Trailers of Texas and Featherlite Trailers to custom design the trailer to fit the district’s needs. Donated by the Klein ISD Education Foundation to the Klein ISD, the project started about two years ago when the idea was first proposed and funds began to come in from donations to help get the mobile classroom and its technology designed, purchased and launched. STEAM Express was officially unveiled on October 29.
The mobile classroom will travel to schools throughout Klein ISD, enhancing the learning opportunities for students across multiple schools in all grade levels.
