Winnie’s Wagon: Bringing Fun Science Experiments to Kids in Shelters and Beyond

On a sunny Thursday afternoon in May, students Khloe, Hailey, and Faith eagerly awaited outside a transitional housing building, brimming with excitement. A vibrant blue van, boldly emblazoned with “Winnie’s Wagon,” arrived, triggering shouts of joy among the students as they exclaimed, “We’re making a volcano!” Renna L. Brown, the STEAM mobile learning coordinator at HCEF, disembarked, bringing engaging projects to children facing housing uncertainty. Instructors Brown and Kaitlyn Nykwest deployed an awning and arranged stools, transforming the sidewalk into an impromptu classroom. This event marked the third STEAM workshop hosted by the innovative program, debuts as the nation's first mobile classroom. Brown led hands-on science experiments with everyday items, aiming to make learning universally accessible. Nykwest emphasized the initiative is crucial for students facing instability, as recent statistics revealed a 17% rise in homeless students in Allegheny County, highlighting the critical need for educational interventions that meet children in their challenges.