Page 60 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2019

KIDS hands-on activities CHEVRON BRINGS
FAB LAB TO THE COMMUNITY
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of
Chevron Pascagoula Re nery
You’ve probably heard of STEM — science, technology, engineering
and math education initiatives — but these opportunities are closer
than you’d think. In 2018, Chevron Pascagoula Refinery partnered with the Fab Foundation and the Jackson County School District to open a $1.2 million stationary and mobile fabrication lab in Vancleave.
The “Fab Lab” as it was called enables students to build on their classroom experiences by engaging in supporting projects and problem- based learning through hands-on activities. “Fab Lab Jackson County increases access to STEM resources for K-12 students and the wider community, connecting people and creating opportunities for learning, experimentation and business,” said Scott Beebe, Fab Lab Jackson County manager.
Since its opening, Fab Lab has been a platform for learning and innovation: a place to play, create, mentor and invent. The lab includes a laser cutter that makes 2D and 3D structures,
a vinyl sign cutter, laser engraver, electronics work bench, computer software for design programming and machine communications.
“This equipment allows students to use computer-aided design to make
almost anything they can imagine,” Beebe explained. “Fab Labs across the world share the same foundation of machines and processes and are linked through video conferencing and online tools.”
The stationary Fab Lab and mobile unit in Mississippi served more than 15,000 students last year and are available to students and residents throughout Jackson County and
the Gulf Coast. “Investing in STEM
is a national imperative and we
are dedicated to working with our partners to provide cutting-edge tools
that foster innovation,” Chevron Pascagoula Refinery General Manager Chris Cavote said.
According to the Fab Foundation, students who work in Fab Labs have a greater opportunity to develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to be future innovators. Fab Labs help promote innovation in the community and aim to build local workforce capacity through hands-on projects, exploration and mentorship.
Fab Lab Jackson County www.fablabjacksoncounty.org
60 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2019
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