While many dream of exotic vacation spots or select color palettes, Naomi Meredith had a different vision. She envisioned a STEM trailer.
This wasn’t just any trailer; it was a mobile hub brimming with engineering challenges, hands-on activities, and the same enthusiasm that characterized her acclaimed STEM classroom in Colorado. After several years of determination and effort, Naomi transformed her dream from the vision board into a fully operational mobile STEM space that now travels to schools, events, and wherever young minds are eager to explore and create.
In this enlightening Q&A, Naomi recounts the inspiration behind her innovative idea and the joy of teaching STEM on wheels. You can also follow her on Instagram for more updates.
Q: What inspired the creation of your mobile STEM classroom?
Back when I was starting out as a K–5 STEM teacher, I participated in an online training session that featured a makerspace on wheels. It struck me as a brilliant concept for expanding STEM experiences for children in the community. I decided then that I wanted to create something similar, and I added it to my vision board in January 2020. Fast forward to summer 2024, while browsing Facebook Marketplace, I stumbled upon the perfect trailer to make my dream a reality. You can follow the journey of my project here on Instagram.
Q: What was the process of converting the trailer into a STEM classroom?
Initially, I considered various options for a mobile STEM classroom, starting with buses. I kept seeing a trailer that seemed like a great option, but I thought a bus would be simpler, allowing me to just turn the key and go. However, my search for buses was met with disappointment; the first was a run-down hot pink vehicle, and another had nearly 400,000 miles and was stuck in park. But the trailer kept calling to me. When I finally decided to check it out in the fall, I was immediately struck by its charm. The flooring, shelving, and overall design were perfect; it just needed the educational setup. That day, I knew this trailer was meant to be my mobile STEM classroom.
Q: What was the timeline for setting it up?
Setting up the trailer was a delightful experience. The first step was giving it a fresh coat of paint, followed by adding engaging features. I installed a LEGO wall around the countertops for students to build on, an entire wall covered with whiteboard stickers, and a metal pegboard for storing supplies or conducting magnet activities. My sister kindly sewed curtains for me, which added a personal touch. I even figured out a way to secure commonly used supplies on the top shelf with Velcro to prevent them from falling. It all came together beautifully!
Q: What challenges did you face during the process?
The most significant challenge has been learning to hitch and drive the trailer. While I quickly mastered attaching and detaching it to my car, parking posed an initial challenge. The first time I attempted to back the trailer into its storage spot, I struggled and ended up in tears. I called my husband for help, but I was determined to conquer it myself. Now, I’m proud to say I can back it up and unhook it from my car in less than five minutes!
Q: What types of activities or lessons do you conduct in the trailer?
Teaching in this space has been an absolute joy. It feels like a nostalgic return to childhood where I’m genuinely teaching kids instead of imaginary friends. When I work with elementary groups, I focus on one main topic and design either a large project or multiple STEM stations centered around it. All lessons have been screen-free and hands-on, although I do have access to electricity and a projector if needed. The activities are rooted in standards and emphasize a makerspace approach.
Q: Can you share some favorite projects from your trailer?
One of the children’s favorites was the paper-plate roller coaster project. The spacious layout allowed everyone to build and test their designs comfortably. I’ve also started working with toddlers and preschoolers, which has been incredibly rewarding. I center activities around a specific topic, incorporating storytelling, movement games, and hands-on STEM stations. One of my favorite lessons was focused on spiders, where we engaged in various fun activities.
Q: How do children react to the trailer upon seeing it for the first time?
The excitement from the kids when they first see the trailer is adorable! Many mistake it for a food truck, which is understandable since it’s quite unique in my area. One group I teach regularly noticed the countertops were too high for them, so I bought wooden step stools for them to use, which delighted them. They loved climbing up to see everything better and even commented on my curtains! One little girl even told her mom she wanted her own mobile STEM classroom for home experiments. The positive feedback from both kids and adults has been incredibly heartwarming.
Q: How far do you travel with the trailer, and how frequently do you use it?
I’m fortunate to live in an area with plenty of locations suitable for my trailer. Currently, I typically don’t travel more than 15 to 20 minutes from my home base. I connect with homeschool groups at local parks or their homes and also visit an at-home daycare. Although I teach after-school clubs, I haven’t yet used the trailer for them, but I plan to in the summer.
Q: What impact has the mobile classroom had on students and families?
This trailer has created a unique classroom experience that parents and children appreciate. They value my extensive classroom experience and my M.Ed. in STEM Leadership, which allows me to merge teaching with creativity. Parents are thrilled about the innovative, hands-on learning experiences their children receive, as well as the convenience of having me come to them. They appreciate being able to engage in messy projects that they may not attempt at home.
Q: What advice would you offer to educators looking to create a similar initiative?
Patience is key. I held onto this dream for nearly five years before it started materializing, and it continues to evolve. It’s essential to blend your educational expertise with a business mindset to make this work. When it comes to scheduling and pricing, thorough research is crucial before diving in. While this venture is immensely rewarding, it does come with its challenges. Building local partnerships and connections takes time, so be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint.
Q: Is there anything else we should be aware of?
You don’t need a fancy trailer to make an impact. Consider starting by teaching programs in your community to see if you enjoy that format. This approach can help you establish the necessary organization and connections for a mobile classroom in the future. Even without a trailer, you can build your clientele and test different lesson types.
Plus, inspire a passion for STEM in your classroom with these free posters.
