Van ISD proudly announces its upcoming Western STEAM Bus Tour, set to take place from June 2 to June 14, 2024. This journey aims to bring Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education directly to rural schools and Texas landmarks across far west Texas.
The various stops on the tour’s itinerary were strategically chosen due to their similarity in size and resources to Van ISD. The underlying message is clear: if Van ISD can make strides in STEAM education, so can other districts.
The tour kicks off with STEAM Camps at Mineral Wells High School and Clyde High School, offering hands-on learning experiences for students in these communities. From there, professional development sessions will be conducted for Education Service Centers (ESC) for Regions 14, 15, and 18, highlighting best practices and innovative approaches in STEAM education.
One of the tour's highlights includes a nighttime event at the McDonald Observatory Visitor’s Center, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with astronomy and space science. A community event at Desert Air Motel is intended to foster STEAM awareness among local residents.
Continuing its journey, the STEAM Bus will conduct STEAM Camps at Fort Stockton ISD and Glen Rose ISD, and a summer school lesson at Brownwood ISD, showcasing the integration of STEAM concepts into summer curriculum. A unique aspect of the tour is the involvement of three Van High School students, who will be actively involved in facilitating lessons on the STEAM Bus at each stop.
The Van ISD STEAM Bus, a testament to innovation and collaboration, has been serving students since 2019. The mobile makerspace was developed in-house, with significant efforts and collaboration from Van ISD students and staff members.
The Western STEAM Bus Tour, spanning over 1500 miles, is entirely funded by sponsorship dollars, demonstrating the commitment of both local and national businesses and organizations to advancing STEAM education. Van ISD invites educators, students, and communities across Texas to follow along with this first-of-its-kind journey. For more information about the Western STEAM Bus Tour or the Van ISD STEAM Bus, please visit www.vansteambus.org or follow us on Instagram @vansteambus.