by Christie Oneill
On July 8, the Maine Mobile BIOLAB made an appearance at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI). This was an exciting opportunity for kids in Aroostook County to get out this summer, learn, and have fun.
Kate Howell, deputy director of the BIOLAB, expressed her passion for the program and the opportunities it provides to youth in Maine.
The Maine Mobile BIOLAB is a mobile science lab. Converted from a camper with the help of dedicated individuals and sponsors. The lab travels across the state, offering educational experiences to children, primarily those in middle school.
“During school and during the summer, we get to do engagements like this in communities,” said Howell.
Referring to the UMPI Community Night, Howell explained how these engagements inspire youth and instill thoughts of the future. At the event, every half hour, youth of all ages went inside the BIOLAB to explore and create their own ice cream.
“They actually learn science, chemistry, and engineering, but they were building like bottle rocket cars,” Howell explains, one of the lessons they offer. “Then they can go back inside and write down what worked, what they want to change, buy more fuel, buy more parts, and then rerun it.”
