TMC LABS EDUCATOR RESOURCES

TMC LABS TRAINING

TMC Labs Training

Learn how to teach hands-on, experiential STEM activities using Think Make Create (TMC) Labs.  No previous experience needed!

Each TMC Lab is a mobile makerspace with a robust K-8 curriculum aligned to Idaho science standards and the materials to complete each activity. Labs are available to educators to use in their classrooms, afterschool programs, summer camps, community events, and more at little or no cost!

TMC Labs training in spring and summer 2025 will take place at ION's Recharge Roundtables and the Idaho STEM Action Center's i-STEM Summer Institute.

Classroom teachers can use TMC Labs training as one learning experience for the professional development course EDOE53704 - Idaho Learning Adventures: Choose Your Own Path - Spring 2025 through NNU Center for Professional Development.

Goals of TMC Labs Training

TMC training participants will...

  • Gain confidence and competence as a STEM educator
  • Learn how to facilitate problem-solving through experiential learning
  • Plan and prepare quality STEM activities
  • Access TMC Labs and other STEM resources
  • Connect with other STEM educators

Boise Training March 31

Join Boise Parks and Recreation for a train-the-trainer TMC Labs training!  We will practice using TMC Labs curriculum and materials, using the experiential learning model to teach hands-on STEM activities, and coaching staff to deliver quality activities.  All educators are invited (formal and informal), even if you don't work for Boise Parks and Recreation.

  • Monday, March 31, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
  • Cost: Free + lunch included!
  • Grace Jordan Community Center, 6411 Fairfield Ave, Boise, ID 83709
  • Register HERE by 4PM on March 27

Purpose and Learning into Play

Brought to you by the TMC Crew at ION's Recharge Roundtables

Join us for a three-hour STEM educator training, followed by lunch and an afternoon community roundtable discussion with out-of-school providers and stakeholders!

  • Marsing on May 1
  • Boise on May 2
  • Idaho Falls on May 7
  • Twin Falls on May 8
  • Cascade on May 14
  • Moscow on May 16

Afterschool STEM Fills the Gap

Brought to you by the TMC Crew at i-STEM Summer Institute

With 73% of Idaho’s schools moving to a 4-day week last year, elementary STEM is one of the first things to go. A STEM afterschool program can help counteract this learning loss by teaching kids essential STEM skills. Afterschool is the perfect setting for hands-on, inquiry-based, experiential STEM learning. Best of all, teaching STEM in an afterschool program is FUN for both kids and adults! In this workshop, participants will gain confidence as a STEM educator, learn how to hand over (some) control to kids, and walk away with a plan to start a program at their school or organization, as well as a kit of STEM education materials valued at over $300, developed in partnership with STEMfinity!

  • June 23-26, 2025
  • Location: Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID
  • Applications accepted: February 3 through March 14, 2025
  • Eligible applicants: All Idaho educators, formal and informal
  • Fee: $50

TMC Labs Online Training

Online TMC Labs training compliments and expands upon our in-person training.

In order to access the online training, follow these instructions:

  1. Click on the blue button below
  2. Create an account
  3. Search for the course “Ensuring Quality STEM"
  4. Enroll in the Idaho course
  5. Use “TMCID” as the keycode to enroll in the course.
FEATURED TRAINING

Designing High-Impact Out-of-School-Time Programs

Strategies for Engagement and Learning

Join this dynamic edWebinar focused on designing Out-of-School-Time (OST) programs that drive student success. Learn how to create engaging, impactful programs that foster learning, well-being, and future readiness for students. Experts will share best practices, strategies for boosting participation, and tips on securing funding to ensure program sustainability.

Attendees will learn:

  • The critical role OST programs play in student achievement and well-being
  • Key elements that make an OST program successful, including leadership, flexibility, and community involvement
  • How to incorporate student interests to increase engagement and participation
  • The power of hands-on, experiential learning in fostering creativity and problem solving
  • Strategies for securing funding and building community partnerships for sustainability
  • Practical tips for creating adaptable, high-impact programs that meet the needs of diverse students

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies for designing high-impact OST programs that make a difference! This edWebinar will be of interest to PreK-12 teachers, librarians, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.

LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES
GO TO:

TMC LABS ACTIVITY GUIDE

A.K.A. CURRICULUM OR LIVE BINDER

USER CODE: 16

USER REPORTS

Please return completed forms to apost@jannus.org or enter in the online report.

Idaho STEM Ecosystem Grants

We strongly encourage all TMC Lab hosts and other STEM programs to apply for the Idaho STEM Ecosystem regional grants of $500 to $5,000.  These grants will be available during the school year and applications are considered four times each year.  We created a grant guide to help you with your application found HERE.  More grant information and the application can be found HERE.

Lending your TMC Lab to Community Members

Download these resources, tailor them to your specific needs, and use them to lend your TMC Lab to community members.  You are not required to use these resources; they are here to help you develop your own lending processes.

Contact Amy Post (apost@jannus.org) for a copy of the "Lab Lending Form."  You can use this form to receive community requests to borrow your TMC Lab.  See example below.

Tracking your TMC Lab use

Use these internal forms to help you track your TMC Lab use.  These forms are not a replacement for submitting user reports; complete user reports at least quarterly at this LINK.

TMC Lab Inventory

Use these forms to take and track materials inventory of your TMC Lab.

Print on Avery 5164 labels.

Stocking List Index:

  • Tab 1: Stocking List Index
  • Tab 2: Stocking List for Labs 1-25
  • Tab 3: Stocking List for Labs 26-28
  • Tab 4: Materials by activity
  • Tab 5: Stocking items in alphabetical order
  • Tab 6: Items to collect
  • Tab 7: New items for 2023
  • Tab 8: TMC Extras (additional items)
  • Tab 9: Bring inside in winter

MORE ABOUT TMC LABS

THANK YOU TO THESE IDAHO PARTNERS & SPONSORS:

JOIN THE SEARCHABLE DIRECTORY OF YOUTH PROGRAMS

List your youth program for free on ION's searchable online database.
Families and youth are looking for out-of-school time options now.

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