Growing the Future: The 21st Century Equipment Mobile Learning Lab

The best way to learn about the future of farming isn't just by reading a textbook—it's by getting behind the controls. Our Mobile Learning Lab is a 40-foot gooseneck trailer that brings the latest agricultural innovations directly to 7th and 8th graders across Nebraska.

At 21st Century Equipment, our long-standing history as a community partner means we don't just care about the harvest today; we care about who will be managing the fields tomorrow. Our team brings years of hands-on knowledge to this project, ensuring that the "high-tech" side of the backyard is accessible to every student, whether they grew up on a farm or in the heart of town.

How Does This Learning Lab Help Our Local Communities?

We view this initiative through a "Customer-First" lens by investing in the local workforce that will eventually support our farmers and ranchers. In 2022, we were honored to be awarded the Nebraska Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) grant, which provided the funds to turn this "out-of-the-box" dream into a climate-controlled reality.

What students experience in the lab:

• H3 Career Exposure: Students learn about jobs that are High Wage, High Skill, and High Demand right here in the Nebraska Panhandle.
• STEM Integration: Real-world applications for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
• Hands-On Simulators: Virtual environments that mimic the technical specs of operating massive John Deere machinery.
• Portable Workstations: Flexible learning modules that can move from the trailer directly into the school classroom.

What Kind of Tech Can You Find Inside This Portable Classroom?

Our Director of Learning and Leadership, Jason Stratman, brings an incredible amount of industry knowledge to the lab. Before joining our team, Jason served as the Dean of Technical Programs at a local community college, giving him the perfect expertise to bridge the gap between education and the equipment industry.

The 8 Core Learning Stations:

• Station 1 (Soils Lab): Testing pH and permeability to understand crop health technical specs.
• Station 2 (Electrical Lab): Diagnosing low-voltage circuits and getting "hands-on" with impact wrenches.
• Station 3 (TopoBox): An augmented reality sand-table that shows how water flows over changing terrain.
• Station 4 (Drone Simulator): Learning to pilot and identify targets in an open field setting.
• Station 5 (Tractor Simulators): Experiencing the feel of a John Deere cab while working a virtual field.
• Station 6 (FarmBot™): Programming a robotic planter to manage seed spacing and watering schedules.
• Station 7 (AutoTrac™ X300): A lawn tractor that steers itself through an obstacle course using GPS.
• Station 8 (Solar Power): A live demonstration of leveraging the sun’s energy to generate electricity.

Bridging the Gap Between Concept and Reality

As Jason Stratman puts it, kids often learn a concept without seeing how it fits into everyday life. By using virtual reality (VR) goggles to tour a working feedlot or programming a Gator™ to navigate an obstacle course, we help students make the connection between a math problem and a successful career in agriculture.

We believe that providing this consultative look into the industry empowers students to stay and thrive in their local communities. If we can show a 13-year-old that they can have a rewarding, high-paying career right here at home, then our mission is a "growing" success.

Common Questions About the Mobile Learning Lab

How can my school or organization schedule a visit from the lab? We love bringing the lab to new locations! To inquire about availability and scheduling for your school or community event, simply send an email to [email protected]. Our team will provide a consultative overview of what’s needed for a successful visit.

Is there a cost for schools to utilize the Mobile Learning Lab? Because of the support from the 2022 Nebraska DYTI grant and our commitment to community success, we work hard to make this resource accessible. We focus on providing the technical specs and instructors needed to give students a world-class experience without the typical field trip hurdles.

What age group is the lab designed for? While the resources are specifically tailored for 7th and 8th-grade students, the technology is engaging for enthusiasts of all ages. The curriculum is built to align with middle school STEM standards, helping teachers meet educational goals while giving kids a day they’ll never forget.

Can students eventually work for 21st Century Equipment? That is the ultimate "H3" goal! By exposing students to these high-demand careers early, we hope they consider our apprenticeship and scholarship programs as they move into high school and beyond. Many of our current factory-certified technicians started their journey with a similar passion for tech and the land.

Ready to see where a career in ag-tech can take you? Visit 21st Century Equipment to learn more about our commitment to the future of farming!