Just over one year ago on Nov. 13, Sherry Painter, Ph.D., Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences chair at LeMoyne-Owen College, realized a 15-year dream with a mobile science laboratory ribbon cutting.
The 40-foot mobile science lab deemed Science on Wheels (SOW) has had a busy year, traveling the city to make science a fun pursuit for fourth and fifth graders. Targeting students from economically challenged neighborhoods, SOW is designed to immerse young students in hands-on activities.
Since last year, Painter has been overwhelmed by the requests made from area elementary schools for the SOW. “We hope to raise more funds to hire instructors and expand the program. If we could grow, we could reach thousands of students,” she said. “Right now, the demand far outpaces what we can provide.”
In addition to visiting schools, the mobile lab participated in the Shelby County Schools Race for Education & Family Health Expo in November 2016, among other community events. Baptist donated $20,000 to help start the program and has committed more funds to help with expansion.
For more information on “Science on Wheels” and how you can support it, visit loc.edu or follow it on Facebook (Scienceonwheels) and Twitter (@LOCSciLab).
