SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – 21st Century Equipment has announced use of a mobile technology learning lab, utilizing funds obtained from a Nebraska Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) grant.

The mobile technology learning lab empowers 7th and 8th grade students in various areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) learning and exposes youth to the litany of H3 job opportunities available in Nebraska, specifically in agriculture. H3 means “high wage, high skill and high demand.”

“The primary purpose of this project is to inspire interest in STEM opportunities by exposing students to these things earlier in their educational journey,” said Owen Palm, 21st Century Equipment President & CEO. “We also want kids to see they can have a rewarding, great-paying career right here in the panhandle.”

The lab itself is housed in a 40-foot enclosed gooseneck trailer, equipped with heating and air conditioning, allowing it to be used as an outdoor classroom. Within the trailer are workstations that can be used in place or detached and moved into the classrooms as needed.

These workstations include hands-on computer simulators capable of demonstrating various precision ag technologies. Other elements include a FarmBot™, a robotic machine students can program to physically plant seed in various spacings, a 3D printer and two simulators that allow users to virtually operate a tractor working in the field. The use of virtual reality (VR) goggles will take non-farm students on an actual working farm and feedlot tour.

“We’re excited to expose students to some of the capabilities we have today in precision agriculture, not only to broaden their understanding of the application of STEM courses, but possibly even to inspire future career aspirations,” said Palm.

Parties interested in having the lab visit their location can reach out to [email protected] Learn more about 21st Century Equipment at 21stCenturyEquipment.com.

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY LEARNING LAB OUICK FACTS

This mobile technology learning lab empowers 7th and 8th grade students in various areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math).

The program also exposes youth to the litany of H3 job opportunities available locally, specifically in agriculture. H3 means “high wage, high skill and high demand.”

The project has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development under their Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) program.

The lab itself is housed in a 40-foot enclosed gooseneck trailer, equipped with heating and air conditioning, allowing it to be used as an outdoor classroom.

Within the trailer are workstations that can be used in place or detached and moved into the classrooms as needed.

These workstations include:

Station 1: Soils Lab

Here, students can test pH, permeability and analyze various soil types.

Station 2: Electrical Lab

Students can diagnose a low-voltage electrical circuit and operate an impact wrench.

Station 3: TopoBox

This station utilizes augmented reality to allow students to visually see the effects of water flow as terrain changes.

Station 4: Drone Simulator

Using this technology, students can identify targets in an open field.

Station 5: Simulators (2)

Our simulators allow users to virtually operate a tractor working in the field.

Station 6: FarmBot™ Robotic Planter

Students have the opportunity to program seed spacing, planting depth, watering schedule and actually plant seeds using this machine.

Station 7: AutoTrac™-Enabled X300 Lawn Tractor

This lawn tractor steers itself through an obstacle course, allowing students to experience AutoTrac TM firsthand.

Station 8: Solar Power Electrical Generation Demonstration

Here, students can see how the sun’s energy can be leveraged to generate electricity.

21st Century Equipment is committed to empowering customer success. As a John Deere dealership with 16 locations across Western Nebraska, Northeastern Colorado and Eastern Wyoming, 21st Century Equipment is equipped with the deep expertise, broad solutions and data-driven strategies to meet the agriculture needs of today and tomorrow.

21st Century Equipment’s Mobile Technology Learning Lab is designed for 7th and 8th grade students to learn about opportunities within the agriculture space while participating in a variety of STEM activities.

A 3D printer is one piece of advanced technology students will have access to as part of the Mobile Technology Learning Lab.

Students can virtually operate farm equipment with one of two simulators.

Two simulators on board allow students to virtually operate John Deere tractors.

The level of detail included in two simulators on board helps students get an incredibly life-like experience while virtually operating machinery. 

Virtual reality (VR) goggles take non-farm students on an actual working farm and feedlot tour. 

The use of virtual reality allows students who may not have access to a working farm in their everyday lives the opportunity to experience one virtually. 

Drone technology allows students to identify targets of interest in an open field.