The Future Maker Mobile Learning Lab visited El Dorado High School on Mar. 19, 2024. The lab provides students with a combination of interactive virtual and augmented reality activities that allow them to explore high-demand careers related to technical education science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Freshman students took turns visiting the lab throughout the day. They rotated between virtual painting, robotics, and flying a drone.
At the end of each session, the groups were brought together to discuss opportunities for high school students to take college or technical school courses in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) fields for free or at a reduced tuition rate at local institutions. They discussed the need for skilled workers and how certifications can lead to high-paying jobs.
"It is a great opportunity for students to try something new and to get a glimpse of possible tech careers," College, Career and Community Coordinator Staci Rickard said.
The activities are designed to be fun for students, but also to offer them a chance to work on problem solving and troubleshooting skills in a professional context.
There was a robotic dog they were able to play with as they learned about the motors and coding required to make it work.
They flew drones on the computer to complete several challenges such as landing in a specific location, finding a missing item, and flying other planes.
At the race car track, students used a remote to control a car and race against another car that was programmed to go through the course perfectly.
In the paint booth, students wore virtual reality goggles to complete a job while everyone else watched their progress on the computer screen. The virtual format allows students to test different techniques to learn the control, consistency, and patience needed to properly complete a task without wasting materials or making a big mess.
The Future Maker Mobile Learning Lab began visiting schools in 2016, and thanks to generous sponsors, is free for schools to host. To learn more about the mobile STEM lab, please visit their website: https://futuremakerlab.com/
