Join BioBus for a journey into the microscopic world!
Using tools like research-grade microscopes, BioBus scientists guide students through a fascinating biology exploration. Students work with scientists to investigate the world through a different lens, make observations, develop hypotheses, and experience the joy of scientific discovery first-hand!
What does a BioBus visit look like?
A BioBus visit consists of up to six 45-minute sessions on the same day; with up to 30 students in each session.
BioBus visit sessions are designed mainly as a one-time experience, with the goal of creating a welcoming, engaging, and supportive environment where students can experience being a scientist and get excited about science. During a typical session, students work with a BioBus scientist to explore various organisms using a research-grade microscope. They are encouraged to use their observation and critical thinking skills to ask questions, to form hypotheses, and to look for answers; in other words: to be scientists themselves! You can find more details about our session content below.
Traditionally, a BioBus visit means that one of our mobile labs would be parked in front of your school (or other designated location), and students would make their discoveries aboard the mobile lab. However, we are also able to bring our equipment inside the school and set up a pop-up lab there if requested or if logistically necessary.
Mobile Lab Visits:
Pop-Up Lab Visits:
Are you a K-12 educator or administrator interested in scheduling a BioBus visit to your school or organization?
Please fill out the form at the link below to inquire about our visits.
What is the content of BioBus visits?
The specific content and flow of each class depends on many factors, including the samples and resources available to the BioBus scientists at the time, as well as their area of expertise. Also, BioBus scientists love meeting students where they are and letting student inquiry guide the sessions. So, if your students love talking about poop, brace yourself for an exploration of poop as it relates to an organism or its ecosystem.
That said, there are certain themes that all BioBus scientists are well-equipped to frame their lessons around. Teachers or administrators can pick themes out of the menu below or let the BioBus scientists deliver a grade-appropriate lesson of their choosing.
For grades K-3…
Microscopes & Me: Discover the wonder of microscopes as you look at familiar living and nonliving things through a new lens, and notice details you’ve never seen before.
Homey Habitats: Examine living things and their surroundings under a microscope, discussing what makes a good habitat.
Bug Bodies: Zoom into tiny bugs, making connections between the appearance of body parts and their function.
For grades 4-12…
Ecosystem Exploration: Explore the diversity of life in an ecosystem, including many microscopic organisms that we often don’t think about. Investigate how each organism contributes to a sustainable, functional ecosystem.
Invertebrate Investigation: Take a close look at various invertebrates, and investigate the adaptations that have allowed these fantastic animals to thrive in their environment.
For grades 6-12…
Cell Celebration: Uncover the incredible organization of living organisms, zooming in from organism to organs to cells to organelles. Explore the wide variety of shapes and sizes cells come in, making connections between their structure and function.
Are you a K-12 educator or administrator interested in scheduling a BioBus visit to your school or organization?
Please fill out the form at the link below to inquire about our visits.