STEM Discovery Lab opens

Opening on the first floor of the David L. Rice Library, the University of Southern Indiana’s new STEM Discovery Lab will connect busloads of kindergarten through eighth-grade students with hands-on learning on the USI campus.

Made possible in large part by a $200,000 gift from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation and a $50,000 gift from the Alcoa Foundation, the STEM Discovery Lab was developed to help elevate field trips for regional elementary and middle schools and expand access to high-quality STEM education. Additional funding support was provided by READI 2.0 and private donors.

Built to enhance and enrich on-campus learning experiences, the lab is both a flexible classroom space and an on-campus educational resource equipped with a catalog of lesson-based activities and specialized teaching tools. Managed by USI’s Southwest Indiana STEM Resource Center (SwISTEM), the lab is a direct response to the needs of local educators who wanted more connected and interactive field trip experiences at the University.

“When we were dreaming this up, we were getting targeted feedback from teachers about what would make this experience exceptional for the kids coming to campus,” said Dr. Allison Grabert, Director of SwISTEM. “There was a gap, and this was a way that we could attract them to USI early in their education and tie in real-world applications for STEM.”

Last spring, the University welcomed Evan Rebar, STEM Curriculum Development and Outreach Specialist, to design and lead lessons for the lab. Rebar brings more than 10 years of experience teaching middle school math and science, with firsthand knowledge of Indiana education standards, student engagement strategies and classroom limitations.

“It was really interesting to get in on the ground floor and develop this, especially for kids who don’t have as many field trip opportunities,” said Rebar. “I kept asking myself, ‘How can we evolve this from a classroom space?’ and ‘How can we make this more fun?’”

The STEM Discovery Lab has already piloted several successful field trips, including a trial lesson teaching third-grade students about perimeter and area by having them design holes for a mini golf course. In just one year, Rebar has spent countless hours drafting lessons, testing activities and sourcing materials, establishing a strong foundation for future growth.

From building earthquake shake tables to collaborating with USI’s Center for Applied Research on an augmented reality sandbox, the lab continues to expand its offerings. Projected to host more than 1,500 K–8 students annually, the space makes cost-prohibitive and technical teaching tools accessible for visiting students.

Equipment such as PocketLab sensors, Vernier LabQuest interfaces and a wide variety of scientific samples, models and demonstration kits help bring STEM concepts to life. The lab also features four wall-mounted monitors, including two touchscreens, and has a capacity of 40 students.

“We’re the very front end of this cradle to career model that the University is working to develop,” said Grabert. “We’re showing kids that if they want to pursue a STEM degree or career in this area, there’s a place for them.”

To learn more about the STEM Discovery Lab or to book a field trip, visit USI.edu/stemdiscoverylab.