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BioTechnology Mobile Laboratory (a.k.a. "Bio Bus")
In March of 2009, thanks to the efforts of Sen. Christopher Bond, Western was awarded a $950,000 grant to outfit a mobile biotechnology lab.
The lab will visit schools in Buchanan, Andrew, Platte, Clay, Jackson, DeKalb and Clinton counties. (Schools outside of these counties will be scheduled on a 'time available' basis and at the discretion of Western Institute.) It will also visit state and county fairs, and national, state and regional science events. Students and others will be able to participate in hands-on activities using the extensive array of scientific equipment installed in the vehicle.
Up to 16 students at a time can work on bio bus with students rotating on and off bus according to school’s bell schedule. Or, the on-board scientist can work with smaller group of students for longer periods.
Goals:
- Grow student interest in biotechnology
- Daily travel to regional schools
- On-board Ph.D. scientist to work with students
- Utilize scientific equipment to engage students
- Provide hands-on experiences
Major Categories of Experiments:
- Data-Collection Technology
- Macromolecules DNA and RNA Techniques
- Biotechnology Applications
Below is a slideshow provided by Platte City Middle School showing their students learning about science on the Bio Bus:
Project partners are the Missouri Biotechnology Association (MOBIO), the Institute for Industrial and Applied Life Sciences (IIALS) and the Western Institute. MOBIO is responsible for distributing portable labs to schools, with the labs remaining at schools for a few days to a couple of weeks while teachers lead students in hands-on DNA experiments.
MOBIO and Western also partner in webinars and summer workshops for students and teachers.