BioBus’ first program in Harlem was in March 2008. Since then, we’ve integrated ourselves and our students into Harlem’s burgeoning biotech scene. From bringing our signature introductory Mobile Lab programs to neighborhood schools and community centers to hosting after school programs, community tours, and paid internships in our state-of-the-art BioBase Harlem community lab at Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute on 129th St, BioBus is committed to bringing science to every corner of Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood. Our team of five Harlem-based Community Scientists is dedicated to helping K-12 students Discover, Explore, and Pursue science.
Since 2008, we’ve partnered with over 160 schools and community organizations in Upper Manhattan to teach hands-on science in schools and host various in-depth after-school, weekend, and summer programs. Our paid Junior Scientist interns work out of our community lab alongside scientist mentors and study issues directly impacting the neighborhood, like Hudson River water quality, the air quality near the exits off the Hudson River Parkway, and the effects of noise pollution.
Discover Science
Since BioBus began in 2008, over 40,000 K-12 students in Harlem have experienced the joy of scientific discovery in an introductory BioBus program at their school! Discover programs take place either on one of our Mobile Labs or at the BioBase.
Below find information and links about either bringing a mobile laboratory to your school or site, or bringing your group to experience a class at BioBase Harlem!
Mobile Lab Visit
Our mobile labs park at schools, typically for a full day of hands-on science with six classes and about 150 students. In classes led by BioBus Community Scientists, students learn to use microscopes and explore topics like Cell Celebration, Ecosystem Exploration, Bug Bodies, and more!
Learn more and request a Discover visit for your school or CBO event, or climb aboard a BioBus Mobile Lab at one of our upcoming public events!
BioBase Visit
In 2017, BioBus began operating our uptown lab space, BioBase Harlem, in the ground floor of the Columbia Zuckerman Institute. This lab can host school classes for hands-on science visits.
We can see up to two classes a day for 90 minutes each in an extended science exploration using our microscopes and lab equipment. These visits are available for grades 3-12. For more information, register here.
Explore Science
Alongside BioBus Community Scientists, middle and high school students can dig deep into a scientific topic over several sessions in BioBus Explore programs! Explore courses take place as after school programs or summer camps, and provide continued touchpoints for students interested in continuing their journey with science past our single-day introductory programs. Some recent Explore projects have included studying how climate change is affecting neighborhood ecosystems and learning how to build compost bins to combat food waste. In the past 10 years, over 800 students from Upper Manhattan have participated in BioBus Explore sessions!
Pursue Science
In the BioBus Junior Scientist Internships, high school and college students receive training and mentorship from research scientists while developing independent projects and co-teaching BioBus programs for younger students! Junior Scientist interns develop lab and science communication skills and serve as near-peer mentors for younger students. All high school and college Junior Scientists are paid for their work with BioBus. A few recent internship projects have included studying the water quality of the Hudson River near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant, investigating stress levels while playing video games, exploring the effect of noise pollution on plant health & survival, and tracking virus transmission in birds throughout the city. Many of our Junior Scientist interns first found BioBus in an introductory Discover program, and 94% of Junior Scientist alumni are currently majoring or minoring in a science-related field or have a science job.
Volunteer
If you are an undergraduate, graduate student or scientist, you can volunteer to teach programs with the Harlem team! Check out our volunteer page for more information.
