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STEM center leader highlights maker spaces, hydroponics and Z-space labs for Hardeman County students
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Summary
Dana Singh described expanded STEM programming across the district — maker-space walls, a STEM mobile, hydroponic systems that hold up to 99 plants, Z-space laptops in middle schools and grants supporting curriculum and field partnerships.
Dana Singh, introduced by Dr. Smith, briefed the board on the STEM Center’s activities and outreach, describing hands‑on projects, grant‑funded equipment and partnerships with industry and higher‑education representatives.
Singh outlined multiple program elements: maker space walls funded at about $5,000 per participating library for grades 7–8, a STEM mobile donated through an external partner, and hydroponic planters used by students. She noted the STEM Center’s hydroponic system can hold 99 plants and that the center runs two‑hour project‑based learning sessions for middle school groups. "Nothing in education matters if a student can't read," Singh said, explaining why she deliberately integrates literacy into STEM lessons.
Singh also described immersive tools — two Z‑space laptops have been placed at each school that serves grades 7 and 8, and two are kept at the STEM Center — and related professional development the district has provided so libraries and staff can use the equipment. She cited competitions and challenges (bridge/bridal challenges, slowest‑marble run) that engage students in engineering, and noted external partnerships (a retired NASA engineer supporting fifth‑grade standards, engineers advising pipeline projects) and donations that helped expand programming.
Singh said some curriculum materials used in evaluation and pre/post testing were provided free to the district (a $1,200 curriculum offer for a tested pilot) and that grants have covered greenhouse builds and other capital support. The presentation emphasized the center’s role in career exposure, hands‑on science learning and cross‑curricular literacy integration.
Next steps: continue grant-supported programming, monitor student engagement and expand outreach to feeder schools and community partners. The board praised the program’s teacher support and community partnerships.
