Mobile Aerospace Education Lab (m-AEL): A NASA Supported K-12 "Roadshow-In-A-Box" Initiative to Advance Aviation/Aerospace Education in Underserved Counties

The Work in Progress (WIP) paper discusses an aerospace-themed STEM learning lab initiative to expand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) literacy in underserved counties in the region surrounding Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). The rural counties served by ECSU has long suffered the effects of poverty and has lacked the opportunities for most students to encounter the 21 century workplace that is readily accessible in more urban areas of the state. However, with recent growth in the aviation and aerospace industry in the region, there now exists the potential to link K-12 education to the aerospace industry. This initiative adopts Roadshow-in-a-Box model, extends laboratory resources and is an important step towards expanding STEM literacy and career exposure for students from the most economically distressed region in the State. The initiative is expected to serve over 200 schools, located within the twenty-one (21) counties surrounding ECSU, over a period of three years. This highly interactive learning lab on wheels provides students with hands-on activities, laboratory equipment, simulations, information, and rich digital media content to develop awareness and increase interest in STEM, especially aviation and aerospace. Visitor traffic, demographic statistics and attitudinal survey data will be collected to assess the impact of this initiative.