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ZH ABOUT THINK MAKE CREATE (TMC) LABS
Kids in Idaho have used Think Make Create (TMC) Labs more than 90,000 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.
TMC Works
STEM Workforce Development
TMC Works trains teens and early-career professionals 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 $750 stipend.
This project is funded through an Idaho Workforce Development Council Innovation Grant. It is led by the Idaho Out-of-School Network as an extension of the TMC Labs project.
Goal of TMC Works
TMC Works aims to support STEM learning at out-of-school time (OST) programs, empower OST professionals to enhance their own STEM and workplace skills, and increase STEM literacy of Idaho’s workforce. To achieve these goals, STEM Ambassadors and Supervisors take 20 hours of training and dedicate 80 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
