Mobile science laboratories have been identified as an important part of improving science education by NYC elected officials,1 the National Institutes of Health,2 and the National Academy of Sciences.3
80% of our staff are from groups underrepresented in STEM fields, an important factor in inspiring the primarily black, Hispanic, and female students with whom we work.4,5
95% of teachers requesting return visits from the BioBus because of the passion for science it ignites in their students.
65% of our students are African American or Latino.
Over two-thirds of the schools the BioBus visits serve low-income communities.
Internal and external research-level evaluations show significant positive impacts on student attitudes towards science following BioBus programs.
Eighty-four percent of teachers rate the BioBus as “equally,” “more,” or “much more” valuable to their students as compared to a visit to the American Museum of Natural History, the New York Hall of Science, or the Liberty Science Center.
Survey results and conversations with parents confirm that many students experience a dramatic positive shift in their attitudes towards science as a result of enrolling in BioBase courses.
1 Lost In Space: Science Education in New York City Public Schools, New York City Council, 2004), page 22
2 nihsepa.org program has provided major grants to three different mobile lab programs
3 America’s Lab Report (2005) National Academies of Sciences, page 176
4 Research Shows Why Misty Copeland Is So Important
5Under-represented and underserved: Why minority role models matter in STEM