Another year, another engaging experience at the Caltech Early Childhood STEM Conference! This year marked the 14th annual gathering and we had the privilege of presenting alongside Lindsay Weissert, Co-CEO of Nest Global (formally PILAglobal), our non-profit partner on the Canyon Nest and Nest Mobile projects in Tijuana, Mexico that provide healing-centered education and childcare for children and families seeking refuge at the southern border. At the conference, March Studio team members, Schuyler Walter and Marisol Chinchilla, shared insights on the powerful connection between children and their learning environments through our collaborative Vision Guide process with Nest Global.
In our presentation, "Healing Centered Pedagogy and the Role of STEM: Leveraging the Built Environment," we discussed two projects that took place in Tijuana, Mexico – the Canyon Nest and Mobile Nest. We shared how through close collaboration and implementation of our Vision Guide process, we pinpointed the children and Nest Global's specific needs to craft adaptable classrooms that mirrored the essence and functionalities of each individual setting within Tijuana.
Pictured: Nest Centrito 32 Mobile Classroom, Tijuana, Mexico
Throughout the course of each project, we found that these spaces “act as the teacher”, fostering discovery, problem-solving, collaboration, and autonomy in every aspect of their educational journey. This realization underscores the significant opportunity to create or redesign learning environments that align with teaching philosophies and approaches, such as STEM, and support the diversity of children’s needs.
The critical need for the Mobile Nest project was clear: to develop a mobile classroom that could serve as an educational sanctuary in refugee centers throughout Tijuana. In 2021, we launched our project by transforming a school bus into a cozy, educational space for both parents and children. Collaboratively, we initiated discussions with Nest Global, along with UNICEF and a local organization Centro32, to design a mobile nest tailored for infants aged 0-3. Our vision was to establish a secure haven for families in need and to create an enriching experience for their little ones.
Working closely with local craftsmen, we focused on efficient design to optimize the space and minimize the need for loose furniture during transport. With the well-being of parents and children in mind, we installed an AC unit and solar panels, ensuring a comfortable environment without relying on the engine for power. For the exteriors, we collaborated with graphic designer Eder Cetina and his team to craft vibrant graphics and soothing colors, giving identity to the Mobile Nest, now affectionately named "Nest Centrito 32," as it traverses Tijuana.
Pictured: Interior layout of the bus.
Pictured: Marisol’s mother, Maria Chinchilla, lending a hand to create the finishing touches.
During the final walkthrough, we were fortunate to have the support of volunteers who assisted with the finishing touches. Marisol's mother, Maria Chinchilla, a retired seamstress, lent her expertise to upholster and refine the interiors, adding a personal touch to the project's completion.
In the midst of these projects, we've seen firsthand how the built environment can shape the trajectory of children and families, even during times of crisis.
As the conference drew to a close, our hearts brimmed with gratitude for the opportunity to share these insights with educators and childcare providers from across the nation. Though we each came from different backgrounds and institutions, what united us was a shared passion for creating nurturing spaces that inspire and ignite creativity within Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.
Pictured: Children, families and educators utilizing the Mobile Nest space.
The true highlight of the conference were the people we met and we were deeply humbled by the wealth of knowledge and dedication showcased by our fellow presenters and attendees. Each interaction served as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and community in advancing STEM education and the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
Looking ahead, we are excited for more opportunities to engage with the STEM community and continue exploring the intersection of education, design, and innovation.