Biobus is a novel concept in science education involving a bus that has been equipped as a self-contained, mobile laboratory used to educate K-12 students in biology basics.[1][2] The bus may also be used for other audiences such as community organizations. Typically, a school or organization requests a visit, and the bus, staffed by scientists, arrives onsite so that it can involve students in participatory science experiments and presentations.[3][4] The objective is to demonstrate to young people the fun of actual science, as opposed to textbook learning.[5]

The New York BioBus, an ex-Golden Gate Transit coach, outside DeWitt Clinton High School, March 2009.

The first Biobus program was created in 1999 by Georgia State University (GSU), with grant assistance from the National Science Foundation. Since its founding, the GSU Biobus has made 1,000 visits involving over 286,000 people. The concept has spread beyond Georgia, including New York City.

References

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  1. ^ Cardia, Alexandra (6 February 2010). "Street Smarts: The BioBus Brings a Rolling Science Lab to Resource-Strapped Schools". Scientific American. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  2. ^ Hamilton, Alec (5 November 2015). "The Magic School Bus Comes to Life". WNYC. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  3. ^ Elmasry, Faiza (13 December 2013). "Maryland Mobile Lab Brings Science to Students". Voice of America. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  4. ^ Chow, Denise (21 September 2013). "Maker Faire Showcases the Best of DIY Science". Live Science. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  5. ^ Lore, Diane (23 November 2011). "BioBus rolls in to PS 54". Staten Island Advance.
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