Lynwood unveils $25K STEAM classroom
Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, joined by local elected officials and community members, prepares to cut the ribbon on the District’s new mobile science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) classroom.
LYNWOOD – A group of 10 Lynwood Middle School students, dressed in matching blue science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) T-shirts, cut a ceremonial blue ribbon on Oct. 20 as nearly 100 community members cheered in celebration of the District’s new mobile STEAM classroom, a learning tool that aims to bring lessons to life.
“Today is an exciting day for our school because we get to see our favorite subjects like science and technology come to life,” LMS eighth-grader Fatima Garcia said in a speech with classmate Jose Manuel Ruiz. “I want to thank everyone who made today possible. We can’t wait to begin learning lessons in the new mobile classroom!”
The $250,000 mobile classroom was christened during a ceremony that featured Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) Founder Theresa Price and local elected officials. The classroom on wheels, donated by the NCRF, contains 18 Mac computers, coding programs and two 3-D printers to inspire student interest in STEAM careers.
Lynwood Unified’s new mobile science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) classroom features 18 Mac computers, coding programs and two 3-D printers to inspire student interest in STEAM careers.
The mobile classroom will be stationed at Lynwood Middle School throughout the year before cycling to a new school each year beginning in 2018-19.
“The arrival of our new mobile classroom represents the kind of innovative tools that we need to inspire the students of today,” Crosthwaite said. “We’re excited to be growing as a District and equipping our students with new tools that will stimulate new possibilities for them.”
Lynwood Middle School robotics students guided guests through the classroom, which includes a large video monitor, a white board and two gaming stations. It accommodates 18 students and two educators. The National College Resources Foundation donated the classroom.
“We want to connect young people to their potential and ensure that no barriers keep them from reaching their goals,” NCRF’s Price said. “We’re pleased to partner with Lynwood Unified to help develop leaders, and today we took a step forward by introducing students to STEAM education that can help shape their future.”
Lynwood Unified offers a host of STEAM-focused tools, including a new robotics computer lab at Washington Middle Elementary School and a newly launched science camp that combines chemistry and entrepreneurship.
“STEAM curriculum, and our new mobile classroom, is helping us to inspire students through fun, interactive instruction,” LUSD Board President Alma Delia-Renteria said. “One of Lynwood Unified’s priorities is to prepare our students to thrive in the modern world, and special days like today ensure we’ll continue moving in the direction of future success for our students.”