Addressing the Learning Gap in STEM and Rural Communities  Montana Science Center and OhmniLabs, Inc.

Montana Science Center (MSC) has partnered with OhmniLabs, Inc to incorporate telepresence robotics in programming and outreach - enhancing successful place-based learning and bringing advanced STEM educational opportunities to rural communities.

With respect to advanced STEM education, students in rural communities are historically underserved per research conducted by the Center for Public Education, Out of the Loop, 2018. Student gains during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic growth are lagging, Northwest Evaluation Association, Learning During Covid-19, December 2021. Science and math achievement and the related gap in learning have been magnified and exacerbated by the pandemic.

“The gap in learning will persist beyond the end of the pandemic. For the roughly 30% of students living in rural Montana communities, there are historic barriers to enhanced STEM programming.  We aim to increase access for everyone - an approach we are taking involves telepresence robots, community partnerships and OhmniLabs,” said Abby Turner, Executive Director of Montana Science Center.

Travel and associated costs often preclude field trips that schools might otherwise incorporate to enhance the existing curriculum. In Montana, the vast landscape and time required to get to a major population center can be barrier enough. 

Hardin, Montana is a three-hour drive from Bozeman. Prior to the pandemic, Hardin Middle School students were given the opportunity to travel to Bozeman, visit Montana State University, and take part in a STEAM Connections field trip at MSC.  Staying overnight in a hotel and swimming in the pool were all part of the greater experience.  

Without grant funding through the Montana Gear Up program, this outing would not have been possible.  The cost to come to MSC was further paid for out of the pocket of the program coordinator and by a contribution from a Montana Photonics Industry Alliance member - a partner organization to MSC.

Hardin Middle School Principal, Bethany Fuchs said, “Without support from outside programs, decisions on whether young students have exposure to non-traditional educational opportunities such as STEAM programming offered at Montana Science Center become a question of tradeoffs.  Many of our students would otherwise not have these opportunities.”

“Securing funding for outreach efforts, including telepresence, is a priority,” said Brian D’Urso, Board President.  “We know our mission is critical to filling the gap in education that kids have experienced. The Center relies on community support to lower barriers to science and technology discovery.”

“Montana Science Center will always be a place-based organization. Recognizing the need to move within and beyond our walls in order to best meet the needs of the kids and families we serve means meeting communities where they are -- OhmniLabs robots are an exciting way to do that,” said Turner.

The Montana Science Center is committed to providing interactive learning experiences in science and technology that inspire creativity, innovation and lead to real-world applications. The doors are open to all individuals, families and kids of every age. Innovation, knowledge, play and creativity are encouraged.

Founded in 2015, OhmniLabs, Inc. is a Silicon Valley-based robotics company that produces service robots at scale. With over 3,000 robots deployed worldwide in 48 countries, OhmniLabs made a name for itself by creating a unique, on-demand robot manufacturing model that allows it to design, engineer, and manufacture custom robots based on customer needs at an unrivaled speed. The company produces all robots here in the USA using proprietary 3D printing processes and boasts a vast portfolio of modular accessories that unlock a world of possibilities. OhmniLabs robots are used daily by businesses, medical professionals, schools, and major sports teams around the world.