Science in Motion (SIM)
Bloomsburg University is excited to be a part of the Science In Motion Program that is grant funded by the PA Department of Education. A cross-collaboration between BU’s College of Science and Technology, the College of Education, and the Regional STEM Education, Science in Motion (SIM) serves our regional middle and high schools by offering the very best STEM instruction.
Science in Motion provides middle and high school students with access to advanced science experiments, equipment, and instruction for enhanced STEM learning – all at no cost to the school.
Program Info and Reservations
570-389-3839
ScienceInMotion@bloomu.edu
Faculty Coordinator
Kate Beishline
570-389-3810
kbeishline@bloomu.edu
Bloomsburg University Science in Motion provides:
- Science Equipment and prepared laboratory kits providing access to equipment not financially available in schools.
- Teaching support through a mobile education (traveling teachers) and staff preparation center with multiple sets of equipment and supplies need to give hands-on experiences.
- Professional development to science teachers provided by mobile educators and college network.
SIM was founded at Juniata College in 1987. There are currently 10 college and universities in Pennsylvania in the program serving over 200 schools. Bloomsburg University’s SIM provides services to schools in the Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Snyder, and Union counties.
Why Science In Motion?
No Cost to Schools
With tight school budgets, many schools are unable to find funding to provide expensive science equipment that will enable their students to engage in STEM activities that will prepare them for college. SIM provides up-to-date lab equipment and state-certified mobile educators at no cost to school districts.
School Needed Equipment
Modern scientific equipment is expensive; an expense that few school district’s budgets are able to absorb. SIM provides school districts with well-maintained modern scientific equipment and supplies costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. SIM work to meet the individual needs of partner schools by providing a listing of equipment that can be loaned, upon request, to the school. The SIM van delivers and picks up the equipment and supplies.
Mobile Educator Visits
Training to keep teachers up-to-date on advances in science and technology along with access to relevant standards-aligned activities is on every schools “wish list.” SIM provides assistance with this through the Mobile Educator who can provide a SIM Lab on biology, chemistry, or physics. All labs include prepared laboratory kits and equipment and are PDE standards-aligned.
No Maintenance
Beyond the expense of purchasing scientific equipment if the cost of maintaining it … especially when it may only be used for one topic during the academic year. SIM addresses this issue by providing a shared resource that is available upon request. The Mobile Educator and staff replace all consumable supplies and refurbishes all equipment and kits after each use.
Professional Development
Through professional development workshops, teachers in partner schools will learn the latest developments in STEM through lesson and lab development sessions and learning to use new equipment.
A Lab for Everyone
BU’s SIM serves educators teaching middle and high schools grades in both public and private schools. Our equipment and labs can be used in all types of classroom settings. (Ex: Gifted, AG, Math, Special Education, etc.)
SIM Requirements
To request a Science in Motion lab with Mobile Educator:
- Be in a partner school district middle or secondary school (grades 7-12) within Bloomsburg University region
- Submit an accurate and complete reservation form at least two weeks before a requested SIM Mobile Educator’s visit
- Complete the Mobile Educator Lab evaluation form
To request to borrow Science in Motion Lab Equipment (equipment may be borrowed for up to two weeks):
- Submit an accurate and complete reservation form at least two weeks before a requested SIM drop off
- Be able and comfortable with the experiments and equipment usage
- Contact SIM immediately if you have a problem
- Repackage equipment in its original containers Return equipment in the same condition as when it was loaned
- Complete the Mobile Lab Equipment evaluation form