TMC (Think Make Create) Trailers

Hands-On Learning and STEM Activities Delivered to your Doorstep!


Bring a TMC Trailer to Your Program

The Think Create Make (TMC) Lab is a 6’x14’ foot traveling trailer that can be easily transported to various afterschool and summer programs around South Dakota.

The trailer is filled to the brim with high-quality, hands-on STEM activities that can occur either inside or outside using the provided tables and canopies. These small-but-mighty trailers can be delivered almost anywhere to bring a wide array of fun and educational projects to your program.


TMC Labs are a low-cost entry point to help youth of all ages in afterschool and summer programs throughout South Dakota become problem-solvers and makers. Kids will be involved in tinkering and hands-on learning that is designed to promote critical thinking, creativity, and independence.

Lessons Include:

  • Paper Circuits
  • Urban Field Guides
  • Strawkets
  • K’Nex
  • Legos
  • Visual Arts
  • Textile Arts
  • Cardboard Building
  • Drones
  • Virtual Reality
  • And more….




By teaching today’s youth to think critically and learn problem solving, we are arming them with the skills they’ll need to be tomorrow’s professionals. And best of all, they’ll have fun doing it!







Complete the TMC Trailer Online Training Course

The Think Make, Create and Learn course outlines utilizing the Dimensions of Success for creating quality STEM learning environments while preparing professionals to utilize the Think, Make, Create mobile labs. This course addresses topics specifically related to Pathways Category #11- Learning Environments. Individuals who complete the On-Demand course will receive 3 credits towards their annual training requirements from the Division of Child Care Services.

Upon completion of the 3-hour online training course, participants will receive an official certificate and DSS will credit three hours of time.



Thank you to our generous sponsors who keep the TMC Trailers rolling!





Frequently Asked Questions

There is a 2-step process to get a TMC Mobile Lab to your program. 

  1. First, fill out the TMC Trailer Interest form above to begin the reservation process. Once submitted, we will  contact you within two business days. At that point, we will tentatively reserve the dates for a trailer to visit your program.
  2. Before the trailer arrives, a minimum of one of your lead teachers must complete the Think, Make, Create and Learn training course (sign up with the TMC Trailer Training form above). Upon completion of the course, your program will be able to submit a final request to have the mobile lab visit your program during the previously agreed-upon dates. 

The current version of the training outlines the Dimension of Success and how to create a quality STEM learning experience and environment for your program. The course specifically addresses topics related to Pathways Category #11 – Learning Environments.

Content for the course is continually being improved and adjusted to best fit the needs of South Dakota’s frontline staff. 

Not only does taking the course allow you to be able to access the TMC mobile lab, but it provides you with 3 credit hours towards your annual Division of Child Care training requirements. 

Whether you’re a season professional or new to informal education, there are some great concepts related to facilitating STEM that are outlined in the course. The course not only tells you about these concepts, but it shows you them in practice and gives you an opportunity to utilize some of them as well.

The trailer is equipped with a wide variety of materials that can be used to facilitate project based learning or open maker space learning opportunities. There are arts and craft supplies, various tools, motors, lights, LEGO bricks, and so much more.

There is also over 100 suggested lesson and activities included with the trailer. These lessons are sources from a variety of sources like the National Afterschool Association, NASA, Science Buddies, and Design Squad Nation. The 4-H Junk Drawer Robotics curriculum has also been included within the trailer. 

The TMC mobile labs were designed to inspire youth to be creative and innovative in an active STEM learning environment. Depending on your comfort with facilitating active STEM learning, you may choose to utilize structured lessons with the mobile; however, there is no need to purchase curriculum. We have provided you with over 100 suggested lessons and activities that you can utilize with the mobile lab contents. 

At this time, we will allow programs to utilize the mobile lab for up to two weeks; however, if demand increases this may need to be limited.



Still have questions or would like to talk to someone further?

Contact Christine Wood.

Christine is certified in the Dimensions of Success (DOS) Evaluation Tool and is able to travel as a mentor and DOS observer.