Mobile STEM Center
STEAM Engine!
The Firewheel STEAM Engine can operate totaly off the grid, equipped with its own batteries and connected to the internet through its Starlink satellite system. It is designed to provide 24 students with an inspirational experience of using the latest portable manufacturing equipment. The STEAM Engine's mission aligns with Firewheel STEM Institute's mission of bridging the STEM divide in underserved populations.
The STEAM Engine's programs are designed to promote 21st century workforce development. Our programs help kids see and experience future career paths in STEAM.
Who can reserve the STEAM Engine? Any school or organization can pay for the service or apply for a grant through Firewheel STEM Institute to cover the costs.
Check the reservations section to see available dates
Estimated cost per day is $2000 to $3000 depending on location and program. There are grants available for groups that can't afford the fee.
Contact Matt Ryan below for more information
Sponsors
Equipment
The STEAM Engine comes equipped with 10 laptops, four 3D printers, one laser engraver and one cnc mill. This suite of machines can be used in combination to create some fun and exciting projects while teaching student valuable manufacturing skills
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MakerBot Sprint 3D Printers
xTool F1 Ultra dual laser engraver
The MakerBot Sketch Sprint is a compact, classroom-friendly 3D printer designed for fast, reliable, and easy-to-use printing to support hands-on STEM learning and rapid prototyping.
The xTool F1 Ultra is a dual-laser engraver combining a 20 W fiber laser and a 20 W blue diode laser to rapidly cut and deeply engrave metals, wood, acrylics and more with high precision
xTool F2 Diode Dual Laser
The xTool F2 is a compact, high-speed dual-laser engraver that combines a 15W diode and 5W infrared laser with a built-in camera to deliver precise, versatile engraving on materials like wood, metal, and acrylic.
Carbide 3D
Nomad CNC Mill
The Carbide 3D Nomad 3 CNC Mill is a compact, fully-enclosed desktop CNC milling machine designed to be plug-and-play for prototyping and light-duty machining of wood, plastics, soft metals and PCBs.
Celestron CPC 1100
Telescope
The Celestron CPC 1100 is a powerful 11-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with computerized GoTo tracking, GPS alignment, and high-transmission optics designed for detailed observation of planets, galaxies, and deep-sky objects.
Programs
Acrylic Lamp
Arduino Jukebox
Arduino Line Following Car
Astronomy Program
Rocketry
Reservations
2026
Barrett-Jackson Car Auction/ STEM Day
January 18
Scottsdale
Willis Jr. High
March 2 & 3
Chandler
Camp Tatiyee
June 9
Pinetop
Open
September
TBA
Open
December
TBA
STEM Night- Bernard Black Academy
Februarary 11
Phoenix
Boeing Family Day
March 21
Mesa
Open
July
TBA
Open
October
TBA
Chandler Innovation Fair
Februrary 21
Chandler
Internation Sience & Engineering Fair
May 14
Phoenix
Open
Aug
TBA
Open
November
TBA
Contact
The current plan is to hold one session per month to allow time to develop and refine the programs so as to best deliver an exciting and motivational STEAM experience! With further funding we hope to offer more available sessions. Stay tuned!