With budget cuts, many K-12 educational institutions across the United States have had to reduce spending on creativity-focused classes and activities, but SparkTruck aims to alleviate this problem.
Described as an "an educational build-mobile," SparkTruck is a traveling DIY lab that started as a project by a group of Stanford design school students. The traveling DIY center comprises hi-tech shop tools, laser printers, rapid prototyping equipment and other design gear with the goal of helping kids across the country stimulate their creativity through hands-on creation activities.
Currently, SparkTruck is on a cross-country summer road tour targeting kids between the ages of 8 and 12, and it has partnered with PBS’s Design Squad Nation and Instructables, reports Springwise. However, the group behind SparkTruck is also seeking more funding and partnerships to continue the project beyond the summer season.
Mobile Kiddie DIY Labs
SparkTruck is a Traveling Creation Center for Children
Trend Themes
1. Mobile DIY Learning - Creating mobile educational spaces that focus on hands-on learning and creativity could be a viable trend.
2. Technology-enhanced Learning - Integrating technology, such as laser printers and rapid prototyping equipment, can enhance the learning experience of children.
3. Adaptive Education - Building educational systems that adapt to the budget of each locality can revolutionize the way we think about education.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Innovative educational programs like SparkTruck can inspire more proactive investment in creativity-focused classes, workshops, and after-school programs.
2. Non-profit - Non-profits focusing on education can benefit from funding educational programs like SparkTruck to help bridge the gap caused by budget cuts.
3. Technology - Technology companies can support the development and improvement of mobile educational spaces to prepare future generations of innovators and entrepreneurs.