TMC Labs (Think, Make, Create)
Mobile Maker Space 2017-2018
Introduction
TMC Labs are enclosed 7' x 12' trailers loaded with STEM materials and many other tools and equipment for afterschool and summer programs (grades K-8). TMC Labs are designed to be a low-cost entry point for Nebraska youth to tinker, explore and problem-solve while helping to promote long-term sustainability for rural afterschool and summer programs. The growing need for rural afterschool programs to have access to high quality STEM programming was addressed by using a mobile platform.
Design
My objective for the design of TMC Labs was to create an open source platform for any after school program or community to develop and build their very own Mobile Maker Space. The interior build out needed to be simple enough for a highschool shop class to assemble. The CNC parts needed to be extremely durable to last for many years to come. Lastly, keeping the price as low as possible made TMC Labs accessible for all communities. The build out cost was around $500 total.
In Use
We currently are licensing TMC Labs nationwide. Wyoming and Louisiana have been our very first states to successfully build their own and use at after school program sites. In Nebraska alone, there are a total of 23+ TMC Labs!
Process
Below you will steps 1-5 to complete a TMC Lab. I have created many resources which you will find in the links below that aid communities in developing their very own TMC Lab. These resources include Google Site, DXF Files, "How-to Videos," and more.
1. Download CNC files from Website..............................................Click here to see website
2. CNC Parts..............................................................................Click here to see build plans
3. High School Students Assemble Parts............................Click here to see "how to videos"
4. Load TMC with Materials/Tools............................................................................See below
5. After School Program Receives TMC Lab!...........................................................See below
"How to use TMC Labs training video" created for after school sites.
"How-to Video" created for High School students
I also created a color coded labeling system for the bins. The color coded system works with an activity guide that comes with the TMC Lab. This makes it very easy for after school facilitators to pick an activity and then quickly find the correct bins needed for the activity.
In use...
