Red Lick, Texas – Students in Lauren Roy’s third‑grade class at Red Lick Elementary got a hands‑on taste of engineering this Tuesday when the Learning Undefated STEM mobile lab rolled onto campus. The lab, selected by the Texas Education Agency, turned the classroom into a miniature construction site where children used play money to decide which craft materials they would purchase to build a model bridge.
Learning by doing
During the session, the young learners examined different bridge designs, discussed the strengths and weaknesses of each, and then allocated their limited play funds to buy the supplies they believed would produce the strongest structure. The activity highlighted core engineering concepts such as load distribution, material strength, and problem‑solving strategies.
Interim superintendent Mendy Sharp praised the experience, saying, “These kinds of experiences help students see themselves as problem‑solvers, innovators and future engineers and scientists.” Sharp added that exposing children to real‑world applications early on aligns with the district’s goal of fostering a pipeline of skilled workers for the state’s growing technology and manufacturing sectors.
Why mobile labs matter
Mobile STEM labs like Learning Undefeated’s are designed to bring high‑quality, hands‑on science, technology, engineering and math instruction to schools that might not have the resources for permanent labs. By traveling to districts across Texas, the program ensures that students in both urban and rural communities receive equitable access to cutting‑edge educational experiences.
“We want every child, regardless of zip code, to have the chance to explore careers in engineering,” said a Learning Undefeated representative. “When kids build a bridge and see it hold up, they gain confidence that they can tackle complex challenges later in life.”
Community response
Parents and teachers in Red Lick expressed enthusiasm for the program. One parent noted, “My son came home talking about how engineers design bridges. It’s wonderful to see schoolwork connect to real life.” Teachers reported that the activity sparked curiosity that extended beyond the classroom, with several students asking follow‑up questions about construction jobs and local infrastructure projects.
The school plans to incorporate additional STEM activities throughout the year, building on the momentum generated by the mobile lab visit. Future sessions may include coding workshops, robotics demonstrations, and environmental science projects, all aimed at reinforcing the district’s commitment to a well‑rounded, future‑focused education.
Looking ahead
Red Lick Elementary’s participation in the mobile lab program reflects a broader statewide push to strengthen STEM education, a priority echoed by the Texas Education Agency’s recent initiatives. By nurturing curiosity and technical skills at an early age, the district hopes to prepare its students for the high‑skill jobs that are essential to Texas’s economic growth.
For more information about Learning Undefated’s mobile STEM lab and upcoming visits to other schools, readers can visit the program’s website or contact the Red Lick Independent School District office.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
