
Northwood Elementary was buzzing with excitement as students in grades 1–4 got a firsthand look at the future of STEAM education. The Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSEM) rolled into town with their brand-new *Mobile STEAM Lab*, and four lucky classrooms had the opportunity to participate in an exclusive early access pilot of the program.
Over two days, the mobile lab parked just outside the school, and students from Ms. McCutchen, Mrs. Palmateer, Mrs. Christian, and Mrs. Cavell’s classes climbed aboard for an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience. Designed with state-of-the-art equipment and interactive tools, the lab introduced students to real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
From building simple robots to testing basic coding sequences, students were fully engaged in exploring, experimenting, and problem-solving. There were smiles, high-fives, and lots of curious questions as students navigated each learning station with enthusiasm and confidence. Teachers and staff were just as thrilled—many noted how powerful it was to see students make connections between classroom concepts and real-world technology in such an interactive setting.
The Mobile STEAM Lab is part of GSSEM’s mission to ignite long-term interest in STEM fields, especially among young learners. With a focus on accessibility and innovation, the lab is equipped to travel to schools across the region, making high-quality STEM education available to more students than ever before.
Northwood’s participation not only gave their students a unique opportunity to explore future-ready skills, but it also helped the Girl Scouts fine-tune the program based on real student feedback. This collaborative spirit reflects Royal Oak Schools’ vision of being a community of excellence, where hands-on learning and student engagement are central to preparing students for a dynamic world.