The BioBus is the field trip that comes you! From Biology to Physics to Chemistry, students’ interest in science is energized after boarding our green-energy-powered, research-grade microscope lab. All classes are aligned with New York Scope and Sequence standards for science, while preparatory and follow-up lessons allow you to fully integrate the BioBus into your classroom. 

The standard BioBus visit:

• Consists of up to 6 classes per day
• Each class can accommodate up to 30 students
• Each class is the length of 1 class period (30 to 45 minutes)
• Classes can be modified to appeal to any age, from Pre-K to adult.
• We offer courses in: (1) biology and (2) physical chemistry. See our detailed course descriptions for more information.

We can also attend public events or provide longer, more in-depth class sessions. Just ask us!

Key Features of Every BioBus Laboratory Experience:

• Led by Ph.D. level scientists
• University-level microscope facilities on board
• Microscope cameras are attached to monitors, keeping all students engaged in discovery
• Content is matched to educational standards and your curriculum
  
• Preparatory and follow up materials provided
• Students can print full-color pictures of their discoveries
• Kid safe and fully insured
• BioBus is almost completely carbon neutral, powered by solar, wind, and bio-fuels
• All students are introduced to green technology in action!

BioBus Class Listing

Discover Daphnia (Basic Biology / Ecology / Cell Biology / Pharmacology)

Explore the inner workings of Daphnia, a shrimp-like animal found in ponds and puddles across NYC and the country. This millimeter-long crustacean has a transparent shell; using the state-of-the-art microscopes on board the BioBus, students have the unique opportunity to observe the inner workings of a live animal, including a beating heart, twitching nerves, contractile digestive system, and more. Using daphnia as our model organism, we have developed biology lessons suitable for all ages and levels. Beginner biology students explore daphnia’s basic physiology and compare it to our own; ecology students study daphnia’s crucial role in fresh water ecosystems; cell biology students zoom in past the level of the organ and discover different cell types within this small living animal; pharmacology students learn the effects of various chemicals (e.g. alcohol and nicotine) on daphnia’s heartrate. We also have a multi-unit daphnia course, during which we seek to understand the structure and function of each of daphnia’s organs and how it compares or contrasts with the human equivalent. We are happy to work with you to understand which biology module is best for your students.

 Watching Paint Dry (Physics / Chemistry / Materials Science)

Yes, we like to watch paint dry on the BioBus! This normally boring activity springs to life under the microscope, as we observe how the behavior of microscopic paint particles changes as the paint transitions from a liquid to a solid. This simple activity is an excellent visual illustration of fundamental concepts such as suspensions, colloids, phase transitions, and crystal formation. Students also have a chance to explore the microscopic make-up of everyday materials such as their own clothing, exposing them to the incredible thought and design that goes into creating even the most seemingly mundane materials.  A collaboration with the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at New York University, this particular (pun intended) module is a fun, hands-on way to teach basic concepts of physics and chemistry, and introduce students to the exciting, dynamic field of Materials Science. Adaptable for grades 4-12.