BioBus Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
What is BioBus doing to help limit the spread of COVID-19?
In accordance with the NYC Health department, BioBus cancelled all in-person programs until further notice. In addition, BioBus staff is working remotely as a way of practicing social distancing.
If you want to learn more about COVID-19 and how you can help limit the spread you can go to our trusted sources:
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is the department of the government of New York City responsible for public health. Here you can find information about COVID-19 and updates on NYC COVID-19 regulations.
NYC DOH COVID-19 Page
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the leading national public health institute of the United States.In the link provided you can find information about COVID-19 and nation wide updates on the spread of the virus as well as nation wide COVID-19 related regulations.
CDC COVID-19 Page
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Here you can find information on COVID-19 and world wide updates on the spread of the virus, as well as COVID-19 research that is being conducted around the world.
WHO COVID-19 Page
Which BioBus programs are affected?
- All BioBus programs are impacted. If you, your school, or your children are registered for a BioBus program, you will hear from BioBus directly.
- BioBus mobile lab programs will not be taking place until further notice. However, BioBus scientists are working to develop remote lab programs that could be offered in place of mobile lab visits in the upcoming weeks. Program coordinators are currently reaching out to schools that have a scheduled mobile lab program in the immediate future to assess their current needs and discuss the options moving forward. If you have scheduled a BioBus mobile lab program for this Spring and are interested in turning it into a remote learning experience, or if you simply want to cancel your program or reschedule it to Fall, please feel free to get in touch with the coordinator of your program.
- BioBase Harlem is currently closed. This includes after school programming, internships, BioBase field trips, and public events.
- Internships will be held remotely until further notice. This applies for high school and college interns based in Harlem or on the Lower East Side.
- BioBus will be experimenting with remote laboratory programming in the coming weeks. If you are interested, sign up for our email list (note your interest in virtual programs), follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or check back on our website for virtual program announcements.
Is BioBus going to offer remote lab content while in-person programs are cancelled?BioBus is working hard to make remote lab content available in the upcoming weeks. We remain committed to serving our communities and to delivering engaging, exciting science, now more than ever. If you are interested, sign up for our email list (note your interest in virtual programs), follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or check back on our website for remote lab program announcements.
Pricing and Payment
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept check (written to BioBus, Inc), credit cards, and purchase orders.
Can we pay via a Purchase Order?
Yes. Our Vendor Number is CEL092282.
Schedule and Logistics
How many students can the BioBus accommodate in one day?
In a single day, we can see a maximum of 6 classes with no more than 30 students in each. In total, that is about 180 students in a single school visit.
Can I book multiple days in order to accommodate all of my students?
Yes! We welcome multi-day bookings. Keep in mind the price you are quoted will apply per day.
What time will the Bus be at my school?
The schedule for the day is determined by the school. You set a schedule for 6 classes and BioBus will pull up to your school one hour before our first scheduled class, and will be ready to depart about a half hour after our last scheduled class.
How long are students on the bus?
We recommend that students be on the bus for 45 minutes at a time, but that can vary depending on your scheduling needs. The maximum amount of time we recommend is one hour.
Where does BioBus park?
We can park the bus in a location of your choosing, providing it meets our parking requirements of a level, paved space 65 feet long x 10 feet wide with a height clearance of 11 feet and able to support a vehicle weighing 13 tons (25,000 lbs).
Lessons and Curriculum
What will my students be doing on the bus?
We offer a range of lessons covering subjects from food science to biology to comparative anatomy. You can view the full list and descriptions at biobus.org/programs. Students are typically on the bus for 45 minutes at a time.
Can I choose different lessons for different classes?
Yes. We want each student’s experience on the bus to tie into their classroom studies as much as possible. Please choose that lesson most appropriate for each class.
My students are coming on the bus for the first time. What lesson do you recommend?
For first-timers, here are the lessons we recommend by grade:
- PreK – 1: Seeing Shapes
- Grades 2 -3: Daphnia, Microscopes and Me
- Grades 4-5: Microscopic Ecosystems
- Grades 6-8: Cells Cells Cells or Microscopic Ecosystems
- Grades 9-12: Cells Cells Cells or Microscopic Ecosystems
We encourage you to read through the lesson descriptions on our website and choose the lesson that best fits with your curriculum.