Mobile Manufacturing Lab

See YOUR future in manufacturing today with the EASTCONN Mobile Manufacturing Lab!

A new Industrial Revolution is here. Are you ready?

EASTCONN's Mobile Manufacturing Lab is designed to fill an industry-specific need: to educate and inform kids about the wonders of manufacturing. Connecticut is home to a number of manufacturing pioneers, and manufacturing job opportunities in our region are rapidly expanding. Many of these positions offer high earnings, and top-quality candidates are very much in demand.

What sets us apart? We bring the learning to YOU!

Image of EASTCONN Mobile Manufacturing Lab

What We Offer:

Overview

EASTCONN's Mobile Manufacturing Lab is an invaluable educational resource that brings the world of manufacturing directly to our students. Here in Connecticut, where innovation in manufacturing sets the standard, the opportunities for careers in this field are growing rapidly. These careers are not only in high demand but also offer substantial financial rewards. The lab serves as a bridge, connecting the curiosity of our students to the real-world applications of manufacturing. It's about opening their eyes to the possibilities of a future career in making and innovating, right from the classroom.

Curricular Integration

Both the Mobile Lab and the Mobile Lab Extensions are opportunities for schools to address learning targets in STEM and/or CTE. In addition, the Mobile Lab Extensions incorporate SEL goals and critical thinking.

Preparation

At time of contract, schools must provide EASTCONN with: (1) number of class rooms (with student counts), (2) number of teachers and aids available for each activity, and (3) map of the parking area.

Mobile Lab Experience (approximately 30 minutes for a group of 10 students)

This engaging experience is designed for groups of up to 10 students to rotate through the lab. Each group’s session begins with an introduction to our state-of-the-art Mobile Manufacturing Lab during which students will have the opportunity to explore the lab, ask initial questions that allow us to gauge their understanding of manufacturing concepts.

Following this exploration, we guide the students through an interactive exhibit, where they are encouraged to participate by answering questions and engaging in discussions. As part of the experience, students will also watch a STEM-focused video that highlights EASTCONN and our manufacturing partners, further enriching their understanding of careers and opportunities in the manufacturing field.

As time allows after the exhibit, students are welcome to continue exploring the lab, asking more in-depth questions that help reinforce what they’ve learned.

Mobile Lab Extensions:

Lego Assembly Challenge (approximately 60-90 minutes for a group of up to 100 students)

Designed for larger groups of up to 100 students, this 90–120-minute session introduces students to the fundamentals of assembly line processes through a hands-on, competitive challenge.

Students are divided into teams of approximately 10 learners, each participating in the Mobile Lab Experience. Their task is to work together to assemble a pre-designed LEGO car as quickly and efficiently as possible. The activity begins with a group discussion where students strategize on the best approach to assembling their LEGO cars.

Midway through the challenge, students watch an informative video about the assembly line process, providing them with valuable insights that they can immediately apply. The session concludes with a race to see which team can complete the assembly the fastest, reinforcing teamwork, critical thinking, and practical application of learned concepts.

Sample 2-Day Program Schedule (80 students or fewer)*

Day 1

7:30 a.m. EASTCONN staff arrives at school with Mobile Manufacturing Lab

8:45-9:30 a.m. Group 1 Mobile Lab Experience

9:45-10:30 a.m. Group 2 Mobile Lab Experience

11-11:45 a.m. LUNCH

12-12:45 p.m. Group 3 Mobile Lab Experience

1-1:45 p.m. Group 4 Mobile Lab Experience

2-2:45 p.m. Group 5 Mobile Lab Experience

Day 2

7:30 a.m. EASTCONN staff arrives at school

8:45-9:30 a.m. Group 6 Mobile Lab Experience

9:45-10:30 a.m. Group 7 Mobile Lab Experience

11-11:45 a.m. LUNCH

12-12:45 p.m. Group 8 Mobile Lab Experience

1-2:30 p.m. Mobile Lab Extensions (grades 7-8)

1-2:30 p.m. Manufacturing Lab Walk-Through (grade 6)

Evaluation/feedback from students/school staff

EASTCONN Mobile Manufacturing Lab departs school

* EASTCONN can increase or decrease the number of groups and on-site days depending on the number of students participating and the host school's unique needs.