Under the leadership of Ana Pasarella and Mayra Martinez, the STEM Bus program has set a precedent for mobile STEM education, providing a model for other districts and giving Alvin ISD students opportunities to be well-prepared for future careers in STEM fields.
The program continues to thrive with ongoing support from the district leadership, community partners, and federal funding, driving innovation and inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Installation Snapshot:
Largest school district in Brazoria County (Gulf Coast region of Texas)
35 schools: 21 elementary schools, 4 high schools, 1 school of choice high school, 9 junior high schools
Approximately 30,000 students and 3,600 employees
“Alvin ISD is a dynamic learning organization committed to excellence for each student and every program.”
The Challenge
Alvin Independent School District (Alvin, TX) faced the challenge of providing students across 35 schools with dynamic STEM learning experience utilizing innovative tools amidst budget constraints. One of their district goals is providing Alvin students with “state-of-the-art technology” to create engaging, hands-on STEM learning experiences. Alvin decision makers wanted to enhance understanding and foster a STEM mindset in students from elementary through high school, despite not being able to provide advanced technology in every classroom.
Ana Pasarella, Alvin ISD Director of Family and Community Engagement, stated, “There’s so much technology available yet we can’t afford to have that tech in every school.”
Key Solutions
To address these challenges, Alvin ISD introduced the STEM Bus program in 2021. Originally conceived in 2019, prior to the COVID lockdown, the Alvin STEM Bus was designed as a mobile STEM lab, offering hands-on learning experiences in various STEM fields. The STEM Bus is now equipped with cutting-edge STEM tools, including Robo 3D printers which come with MyStemKits curriculum. This approach to facilitating hands-on STEM education allowed the district to deliver high-quality activities and lessons directly to students, complementing existing classroom instruction.
“We wanted to create something mobile to complement what teachers are doing in the classroom with hand-on opportunities for the kids,” Pasarella said.
The Alvin STEM Bus includes eight stations, each providing interactive, hands-on learning experiences. A highlight is the 3D printing station, where Robo 3D printers work seamlessly with MyStemKits' curriculum. Students engage in creating custom components and exploring real-world applications, such as prosthetic limbs and structural designs, which are brought to life by the Robo 3D printers. This integration not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students apply theoretical concepts in practical ways.
The Alvin STEM Bus program prioritizes scheduling for 4th and 5th graders at Title 1 campuses, focusing on day visits to maximize impact. These students are assessed based on state assessment data, particularly STAAR Science, to identify where they have the most significant learning gaps. By collaborating with principals, coordinators, and teachers, the STEM Bus team analyzes trends and deficits from previous years to tailor visits effectively. The hands-on learning provided by the STEM Bus helps these younger students understand and retain complex concepts, bridging gaps identified through assessments. Mayra Martinez, Alvin ISD STEM Bus Specialist, who develops tailored units based on teachers’ feedback, coordinates with principals to schedule visits that align with the academic needs and time frames, ensuring the STEM Bus supports both teachers and students in enhancing classroom learning.
"By designing unit-based curricula with hands-on activities and practical applications, we help students directly engage with and apply concepts,” states Martinez. “During the STEM Bus visits to schools, the teachers can informally assess their students to guide reteaching and reinforcement, and then strategically review, preview, or address current units. This ensures that learning is relevant and effectively supports students in mastering concepts that will appear on standardized tests."
Initially, Martinez faced the challenge of planning effective 3D printing activities. The MyStemKits curriculum, however, provided comprehensive and easy-to-follow lessons that addressed this challenge. Martinez wanted to ensure that all STEM Bus activities were purposeful and beneficial for teachers. With the MyStemKits curriculum and Robo 3D printers, STEM lessons are brought to life through hands-on experiences, allowing students to explore concepts like structural functions and systems. This approach links learning to real-world scenarios and potential careers. As Martinez puts it, “Using Robo 3D printers in the curriculum connects students with real-world applications, making abstract concepts more meaningful and boosting their excitement about STEM.”
High school students with strong academics and a passion for STEM can apply for Alvin STEM Bus internships. Open to 11th and 12th graders with a B average or higher, the program requires an essay and a teacher’s recommendation. Selected interns guide younger students through STEM stations, earning community service hours, college recommendation letters, and resume-building opportunities. They also gain access to exclusive experiences, including VIP tours of NASA, Ascend Performance Materials, LyondellBasell, and Endress+Hauser, where they explore scholarship and internship possibilities.
