No Cost Science Kits Bring Learning to Life for Local Teachers
In an effort to support local educators and enrich Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education, the Faulhaber Fab Lab is excited to announce the 2024-2025 opening of its Science Lending Library. This initiative provides teachers with access to a variety of hands-on science kits and equipment at no cost, allowing them to enhance their classroom lessons without budget constraints.
Designed for educators from elementary to high school, the Science Lending Library features a wide range of engaging, ready-to-use kits covering topics such as Biology and Life Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences, Physical Sciences and more. Teachers can request kits for use in their classroom for a two-week period, helping to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of learners. Homeschool families are also encouraged to utilize the library.
“Oh my, it was fabulous! All of the lessons were spelled out for us. The models of the turtles were so realistic, and sent a powerful message to the students,” shared a Sarasota teacher and borrower of the Traveling Turtles kit.
Each kit includes required materials, instructions, lesson plans and additional resources, making it easy for teachers of all experience levels to integrate the kits into their curriculum. From building DNA models to observing the cycle from seed to plant in a hydroponic system, students will have the opportunity to engage with complex concepts through interactive learning.
“Our goal is to empower teachers by providing them with the tools they need to make learning tangible and fun,” said Ping Faulhaber, Executive Director of the Fab Lab. “We understand the challenges educators face in making science both exciting and relevant to everyday life. Through the Lending Library, we hope teachers will be able to spark students’ curiosity and connect science to the real world.”
With generous support from the Steinwachs Family Foundation and partners like Sarasota County Schools, Unit Bricks, and Inwater Research Group, the Fab Lab has expanded its offerings for the 2024-2025 school year. New library additions include specialized Mini Unit Beams engineering and modeling kits, high-quality Brock Magiscope microscopes, and two more Traveling Turtle kits, added due to popular demand. The Fab Lab is always seeking to enhance its offerings and broaden the hands-on learning opportunities available to teachers and students.
Teachers can browse the Fab Lab’s online catalog of available, no cost Science kits and submit a request at https://suncoastscience.org/lending-library. Once reserved, kits are delivered directly to the teacher’s school (for Sarasota County Schools only) or can be picked up at the Fab Lab. For questions about the Fab Lab Science Lending Library, contact info@suncoastscience.org. To learn more about the Fab Lab’s other innovative programs, visit https://suncoastscience.org.
About the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab
The Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded with the mission to inspire and support tomorrow’s innovators through experiential learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM). Through its fabrication lab and innovative programs, the Suncoast Science Center encourages people of all ages to explore ideas, build skills and confidence, and become lifelong learners. To learn more, visit https://www.suncoastscience.org/ or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X.
Feature Photo Courtesy: Sarasota Middle School students explore earth and space science with ‘Planets Lab’ kit.