Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bio-Bus Program?
The Bio-Bus Program is a science outreach service from Georgia State University. It is named after its primary vehicle, a 30-foot self-contained mobile laboratory, but we also conduct science activities in a classroom, media center, or school lab.
The Bio-Bus: 30 feet long
We can teach up to 15 students per session when they come on the Bio-Bus.
A Bio-Bus van: ordinary car length
We can teach up to 30 students per session when we come inside your school or library.
What is our mission?
The Bio-Bus Program provides hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to generate a sense of excitement about science.
Where do we travel?
The Bio-Bus Program is available for visits to schools and community groups in Georgia.
How much does each visit cost?
All Bio-Bus services are free, although we can accept donations if you so desire.
What types of activities are there?
Activities cover a range of scientific concepts, including physical sciences and earth sciences in addition to biological sciences. Each visit can cover one learning module. We currently have twelve learning modules, and are constantly developing more!
Who receives priority for visits?
Because of the large number of requests we receive, it is necessary for us to establish priority guidelines. At the present time, priority goes to schools and community groups located within one hour’s travel distance from downtown Atlanta. For school groups, we give priority to students in grades 4-12. We encourage you to communicate with us however, even if you don’t meet our current guidelines. We make every effort to remain responsive to the needs of our hosts, and we will work to make new activities available when we know that the interest level is high.
How many students can visit on a single day?
This depends on where we teach – in a classroom or on the Bio-Bus. If we set up in a central classroom (or media center, multi-purpose room, etc.) we can see up to 30 students per session. The Bio-Bus itself accommodates 10-15 visitors (students and teachers) at a time. Typically, we divide a class of 20-30 students into two groups. If we give eight 30-45 minute presentations on the Bio-Bus, we can see four classes, or about 80-120 students per day.
How long is each visit?
Presentations range from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the module. Usually the Bio-Bus crew stays at a single location for 4-6 hours.
How can I schedule a visit?
For scheduling and routine questions, contact the Activities Coordinator, Mary Hall, at [email protected] or 404-413-5421.
How can I receive more information?
More specific inquiries may be addressed to Dr. Barbara Baumstark, Bio-Bus Director, at [email protected] or 404-413-5304.
