Introducing the STEAM Roller, Our Mobile Makerspace

The STEAM Roller: Paving the Future for Arkansas Schools & Communities

We are introducing Arkansas classrooms and communities to an innovative approach to collaborative, hands-on learning through our makerspace on wheels.

Not every school can afford the expense or time needed to visit the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub and experience our unique STEAM learning opportunities. So in 2018, we partnered with community leaders to create the STEAM Roller, a mobile makerspace that takes the technology currently available at the Hub—like laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC Routers, and more—to underserved and rural communities and schools across the state.

The STEAM Roller is an 7’x16′ trailer specially outfitted to carry our mobile makercarts. These units allow us to bring a makerspace into Arkansas classrooms and provide hands-on education utilizing a variety of state-of-the-art tools. Our curriculum is designed to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math subjects using a project-based interdisciplinary model that is fun. Sessions include real tools and real-world problem-solving that will challenge and inspire youth as well as teachers.

We also visit community centers, libraries, youth and elderly facilities—and can provide industrial job training or corporate team-building using digital fabrication tools.

Simply put, we inspire youth and adults to learn more about 21st Century technologies, enabling them to become makers, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Hands-On Projects Inspire Fun & Critical Design Thinking Skills:
Spring 2019 Curriculum

Screen Printing & Vector Design

Students will create artwork using a vector design program and use a combination of screen printing and heat press materials to customize their own tote bag.

Intro to Printmaking

Students are introduced to printmaking through creating an art gallery of prints based on the theme of making the world a better place. Students will learn brainstorming, design, and basic tools, materials, and methods of printmaking utilizing a 3D-printed press.

Laser Cutting & Vector Design

Students learn how lasers work and use them to engrave coasters after creating their own artwork in a vector design program.

Intro to 3D Printing & Modeling

Students will design 3D models and be introduced to dimensionality.

Make Your Own Bot: Vibrobot Challenge

Students will create their own vibrating robot in this engineering design challenge.

Intro to Entrepreneurship

In this add-on module, students learn how to start their own Etsy stores and are introduced to branding & marketing for their businesses.

Bring the STEAM Roller to Your Community

Our mobile facility presents exciting, hands-on education at schools, community centers, churches, libraries, youth facilities and many other locations! Inquire here for more information about what the STEAM Roller can offer your area.

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Rolling Out…Thanks to Our Sponsors

It takes a village! We couldn’t do this without the great folks and organizations who have sponsored us. We are deeply grateful to AT&T, Bale Chevrolet, Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation, and Union Pacific for their generous contributions which allow us to bring the STEAM Roller to your community free of charge.