A multi-sensory EXPERIENTIAL VEHICLE

Key Features

Customized school bus outfitted as a greenhouse, exhibit space, and lab

Optimized, multi-functional classroom in a 300 square foot space

A robust and versatile experience both inside and out

The Need

The Reed Foundation programs classes that travel to underserved communities in New Jersey. They approached Tessellate to create a mobile classroom for their roaming K-8 curriculum with the objective of creating a multi-sensory experience that hooks students into better eating habits. Tessellate was tasked with designing a classroom, as well as an area for group discussion and experiential workstations.

The Approach

Tessellate provided a turnkey design-build vehicle which focused on food literacy, a so-called Mobile Food Lab. To optimize the small space, we created "zones" containing flexible work stations and areas for group discussions. The first thing each class does is sit in the central "nest," a sanctuary for orientation and discussion. The class then divides up into three groups that rotate to learn about 1) Science (germination, hydroponics, vertical farming, composting, the science of taste, and nutrients.) 2) Art (painting with herbs, making tea bags, creating leaf skeletons) and 3) Cooking a healthy meal.