Mobile Engineering Education Lab
The ME2L program trains University engineering students to provide engaging activities to foster curiosity about STEM topics. Our engineering students visit Washoe County School District classrooms and facilitate 1-hour grade-appropriate, interactive lessons for kindergarten through fifth grade. See our gallery below for photos of ME2L in action.
Thank you to all of our past teachers and students for participating in our Mobile Engineering Education Lab! We hope you had as much fun as we did.
What ME2L offers
- Introduction to engineering presentation: University engineering students explain what it’s like to be an engineering student and discuss the different types of engineering disciplines.
- High-quality instruction: Content is developed by University engineering students.
- Hands-on activity: Participants get to conduct an engineering experiment.
ME²L availability and sign-ups
Due to limited availability of time slots, schools will be allowed four time slots per semester. Classes are allowed to combine with other classes (for example, a third-grade class with another third-grade class). Our lessons can accommodate groups of up to 40.
We will be back in the fall. Please check back in late August for our availability. Please contact engrk12@unr.edu to be added to the contact list.
To sign your class up for an ME2L lesson, please use the ME2L lesson registration link.
Current lessons
- Blow That House Down!
Once upon a time, in a kindergarten classroom not too far away, a group of playful young minds learned about civil and structural engineering by building a structure strong enough to stand against the Big Bad Wolf. In this fairy tale-inspired engineering challenge, students learn about the duties of civil engineers and gain an understanding of the engineering design process through the planning, creation, testing and modification of structures. - Little Forces, Big Moves!
Kindergarteners step into the shoes of a mechanical engineer as they explore forces and motion! Using push/pull factors, kindergarteners will learn about Newton’s second law of motion by creating ramps and examining factors that impact speed. Students will act as mechanical engineers, using the engineering design process to build critical thinking skills and spark creativity through hands-on activities. This lesson taps into the joy of experimentation while grounding students in real science and engineering practices.
- Let’s Talk About Sound
In this playful and powerful lesson, first-graders become electrical engineers-in-training, delving into the concepts of sounds and sound waves. Students will explore vibrations and sound waves to craft a new form of communication, experiment with different materials and test how tension and length affect sound clarity. Along the way, they’ll learn how engineers design systems to help people communicate across distances. Using the engineering design process, students will test, tweak and redesign their invention to create the clearest connection possible. With each whisper down the wire, they’re not just playing — they’re learning the science behind sound and the engineering behind communication. - Lights, Camera, Engineer!
In this exciting lesson, first-graders become material science engineers on a mission to harness the power of light. Students will explore how light helps us see, how cameras capture light and how solar-powered cars transform sunlight into motion. Through the engineering design process, students investigate which materials are best at reflecting, absorbing or letting light through — and they’ll use that knowledge to design a vehicle that can harness light! Along the way, they test lenses, play with shadows and learn to think like real engineers solving real-world problems. By the end of class, they won't just understand how light works — they’ll be using it to power their inventions, just like the scientists and engineers shaping the future of clean energy.
- A Monster of a Problem
Disaster has struck the town of Smallville: a mischievous monster has been smashing buildings and causing chaos! Luckily, a team of second-grade materials science engineers is on the case. In this engineering challenge, students investigate the properties of everyday materials to design and test monster-resistant solutions that can protect the town. Using the engineering design process, students brainstorm, prototype and test their ideas, learning that different materials have different uses depending on the purpose of a structure or invention. It’s a wildly fun way to build real-world problem solvers — one monster-proof idea at a time. - Engineering for Healing
Today’s challenge: a friend has taken a tumble and hurt his arm – and it’s up to a team of clever second-grade biomedical engineers to help him heal. This lesson using a model arm allows students to explore the world of medical design by creating and testing arm casts. They’ll investigate the properties of materials (Is it stiff? Is it flexible? Will it hold? Is it absorbent?) and use the engineering design process to craft a supportive, lightweight and comfortable solution to protect a broken arm. As they test their designs on 3D models and make improvements, students learn how real engineers design medical tools that keep people safe and help them heal. It’s a healthy blend of creativity, compassion and problem-solving — and a whole lot of engineering fun! - Lift Off! The Weight of Flight
In this hands-on lesson, 2nd graders become aerospace engineers as they design, build, and test their own paper airplanes. Students explore how engineers use the forces of flight—lift, thrust, drag, and gravity—to make aircraft fly. Through materials design testing and flights, students discover how simple changes in materials can impact performance, while sparking curiosity about the science and engineering behind real airplanes.
- Destination: Space!
In this high-flying design challenge, third-grade students become aerospace engineers, designing and launching their own rockets! Using the engineering design process, students explore how shape, stability and force affect flight. After building their rockets, they’ll test them using a safe launch system — measuring distance and adjusting designs for optimal performance. It’s a hands-on journey into thrust, gravity and trajectory — perfect for future space explorers. - Drop Zone Engineering
Students take to the skies, designing and testing a working parachute system. Along the way, they’ll explore the forces of gravity and air resistance and apply their knowledge to protect an “astronaut” in free fall. Using the engineering design process, students test their parachute prototypes for a safe, gentle landing — learning that slower can sometimes mean smarter in aerospace engineering! - Code a Robot
Beep boop! In this hilarious, hands-on lesson, students become robot wranglers and code commanders, using the engineering design process to program a real robot to complete a challenge. As computer science engineers, they’ll brainstorm, debug and redesign their code, learning that even robots need a little trial and error before they follow orders. - Tall Towers
Think paper isn’t strong? Think again! In this structural showdown, students become civil engineers, using paper and tape to build the tallest tower strong enough to withstand the forces of nature. As they brainstorm, build and test their creations, students work through the engineering design process — learning that smart shapes, clever folds and a lot of teamwork can turn simple materials into mighty structures. It’s a high-stakes, high-rise challenge where every inch counts! - Loopy Flight Challenge
In this exciting lesson, students take on the role of aerospace engineers as they design and launch hoop gliders—simple yet powerful models that reveal the science behind flight! By experimenting with different designs, students see how the forces of thrust, drag, lift, and gravity work together to create motion. This hands-on activity builds curiosity about aerospace engineering while giving students a fun way to explore how engineers solve real-world challenges of flight.
- Protect Your City!
The ground is shaking, and our city needs help! In this civil engineering challenge, fourth-graders become community problem-solvers, designing earthquake-resistant structures using the engineering design process. With a focus on safety and teamwork, the class works together to build a model city that can withstand a simulated quake. Through trial, error and lots of creative thinking, students explore how engineers use materials, shapes and supports to protect real buildings — and real lives — when the ground rumbles. - Zip Line Rescue
There’s a daring rescue in progress, and only fourth-grade engineers can save the day! In this fast-paced, hands-on lesson, students design and test a working zip line system to safely transport a passenger to safety. Using the engineering design process, students explore force, gravity, energy transfer and friction as they build prototypes, refine their designs and problem-solve like real mechanical engineers. It’s a thrilling challenge where physics meets imagination — and every second counts! - Code a Robot
Beep boop! In this hilarious, hands-on lesson, students become robot wranglers and code commanders, using the engineering design process to program a real robot to complete a challenge. As computer science engineers, they’ll brainstorm, debug and redesign their code, learning that even robots need a little trial and error before they follow orders. - Tall Towers
Think paper isn't strong? Think again! In this structural showdown, students become civil engineers, using paper and tape to build the tallest tower strong enough to withstand the forces of nature. As they brainstorm, build and test their creations, students work through the engineering design process — learning that smart shapes, clever folds, and a lot of teamwork can turn simple materials into mighty structures. It’s a high-stakes, high-rise challenge where every inch counts!
- Solar S’Mores!
In this sunny lesson, fifth-graders become renewable energy engineers, using the power of light to build solar ovens that can cook delicious s’mores. Through hands-on design and experimentation, students explore how solar energy works; learn about clean, renewable power; and discover how engineers harness sunlight to solve real-world problems. It’s a fun, sweet and science-packed way to shine a light on our energy future! This lesson is best during the warmer months but is available year-round. - Recipe for Reactions
Mix, fizz, and foam your way into the world of Chemical Engineering! In this hands-on lesson, 5th graders become junior Chemical eEngineers as they explore the science behind chemical reactions. Using safe, everyday materials, students experiment with bubbling mixtures, surprising color changes, and fizzy eruptions—learning how engineers use chemistry to solve real-world problems. - Code a Robot
Beep boop! In this hilarious, hands-on lesson, students become robot wranglers and code commanders, using the engineering design process to program a real robot to complete a challenge. As computer science engineers, they’ll brainstorm, debug and redesign their code, learning that even robots need a little trial and error before they follow orders. - Tall Towers
Think paper isn't strong? Think again! In this structural showdown, students become civil engineers, using paper and tape to build the tallest tower strong enough to withstand the forces of nature. As they brainstorm, build and test their creations, students work through the engineering design process — learning that smart shapes, clever folds, and a lot of teamwork can turn simple materials into mighty structures. It’s a high-stakes, high-rise challenge where every inch counts! - Fire Emissions
In this lesson, 5th graders step into the shoes of environmental engineers to investigate why wildfires release smoke and harmful emissions into the air. Through hands-on experiments and design challenges, students explore the impact of these emissions on people and the environment, and discovering the 'why' behind smoke. This engaging activity connects science with real-world problem-solving, showing how engineers protect communities and the planet.
Support
All of our K-12 outreach programs are made possible through the generous support of The Mallory Foundation and Nevada Gold Mines. We appreciate their continued support.
Interested in supporting Engineering? Please visit the Engineering support page.