MoLab Inc.
MoLab Expands Access to Interactive Solar Science for Title 1 Schools and Communities
It began with a grant from All Points North Foundation to transform Mobile Science Laboratory, Inc.’s (MoLab) bus into a solar-powered, mobile science lab. They named it the MoBus. The concept is simple: bring hands-on solar science programming to schools, inside and outside of classrooms, during and after school semesters, and at community events. The founders are two women who passionately believed that offering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in a fun interactive setting like MoBus would excite and engage middle grade students and, most importantly, empower them to create a sustainable planet.
Its lab on wheels educates curious students and communities about the importance of solar as an alternative renewable resource. Through interactive, project-based experiences, students discover the photovoltaic power of solar electricity and better understand how sustainable science can address real-world environmental challenges impacting their futures. The grant comes at a time when Title 1 schools are affected by cuts from the federal budget for essential resources and learning experiences, especially for underserved communities.
The new $100,000 grant from All Points North Foundation will enable MoBus to run in peak condition and provide hands-on science activities to 12 middle schools. This includes returning to eight Title l middle schools in Florida’s Leon and Gadsden counties, and four Title l middle schools in rural South Georgia. Science activities include creating solar spin art and teaming up on experiments using solar circuitry.
Additionally, the grant will include summer camp scholarships for 12 middle school students who previously participated in spring solar science programming. These students will participate in an immersive week in solar robotics and a field trip to a solar farm through MoLab’s Summer Camp Spark – Igniting Knowledge!
By project’s end, MoBus will have driven science education to more than 1,000 students and their families, helping hone 21st century learning skills through project-based education, exposing them to career paths in STEM fields, and bridging the access gap to valuable science education and experiences.
For more information: www.tallymolab.org
Photo credit: MoLab Inc.
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All Points North Foundation provides grants for U.S.-based projects and initiatives that support our priorities: improving public middle school education and teacher training, and implementing effective solar programs and/or projects.
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