In addition to the equipment in all labs — tubs of Legos and art supplies and cardboard construction kits — Malone’s lab also has an additional canopy to set up outside with the tables, heaters, a solar panel and garden tools. The tubs are made of burlap, not plastic, a nod to being more environmentally conscious.
With money from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, Cole’s organization will continue to add environmental features, including a mobile cart with nets and microscopes so kids can do projects in the field.
“Malone has kind of emerged as a demonstration project for us,” Cole said.
The overarching idea behind the labs is to spark creativity and teach kids to be problem-solvers. They’re based on the idea of makerspaces, collaborative workspaces in schools, communities and on college campuses.
One of the things Montgomery loves about it is a binder full of activities kids…
