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العربية ABOUT THINK MAKE CREATE (TMC) LABS
Kids in Idaho have used Think Make Create (TMC) Labs more than 124,000 times to boost their STEM skills! The program has reached 43 out of 44 counties across Idaho, and is fueled by partnerships between non-profits, government offices, local businesses and Idaho industries.
Think Make Create (TMC) Labs
What is TMC Labs?
A TMC Lab is a custom-built trailer full of STEM supplies. But the TMC Labs program is so much more! The program’s 4 pillars include:
- 28 mobile makerspace STEM trailers full of low-tech supplies
- TMC Labs Activity Guide full of hands-on, inquiry-based STEM activities
- Professional development for informal and formal educators
- TMC Works career-development program
The Idaho Out-of-School Network collaboratively leads the TMC Labs program with the University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. The program was developed by and is licensed from Nebraska Beyond School Bells.
Goals of TMC Labs
- Expand access to hands-on STEM learning and skills for ALL youth.
- Train educators to provide hands-on STEM learning to youth.
- Increase communities’ support of STEM learning and support Idaho’s workforce development.
Find a TMC Lab
TMC Labs are primarily used by the programs who host a TMC Lab. Where available, they can be borrowed by afterschool programs, classroom teachers and informal educators at little or no cost. To use a TMC Lab, find your nearest host on the map and reach out to them directly.
If a TMC Lab is not available in your area, contact us for more options.
Shop Talk & Newsletter
Shop Talk
Join us every third Wednesday of the month at 12:30 PM (MT)/11:30 AM (PT) for conversations on STEM education! Each month we hear from a special guest, share program updates and discuss STEM education ideas.
Shop Talk is open to all educators! No previous experience with TMC Labs or STEM education is required! Sign up for our mailing list to receive the Zoom link.
Newsletter
Join out mailing list to receive our monthly STEM education newsletter. Receive Shop Talk invitations, activity ideas, educational resources, career exploration information, event announcements, program updates, and STEM news.
TMC Works
STEM Workforce Development
TMC Works trains teens and young adults to plan, prepare and lead hands-on, inquiry-based STEM activities for children in out-of-school time programs. TMC Works participants gain experience and confidence, explore their future careers, and earn a $500 stipend.
This project is funded through an Idaho Workforce Development Council Innovation Grant and the STEM Next Opportunity Fund. It is led by the Idaho Out-of-School Network as an extension of the TMC Labs project.
Goals of TMC Works
- Empower teens and young adults in Idaho to enter their careers with skills for success.
- Expose teens and young adults in Idaho to careers in STEM.
- Partner with industry, workforce and education stakeholders in Idaho to reduce barriers to entry into STEM careers.
To achieve these goals, STEM Ambassadors take 10 hours of training and dedicate 40 hours to facilitating STEM programs with youth.
TMC Labs Resources
Learn more about TMC Labs here…
TMC Labs Training
Learn to facilitate hands-on, experiential STEM activities with youth. No previous STEM experience is necessary!
TMC Labs Lessons & Activities
TMC Labs Activity Guide is free and available to all!
User Reports
Data collection supports the TMC Labs program into the future.
"Makerspace Playbook" Newsletter Archive
