Mobile Science Laboratory - A Powerful Tool For Revolutionizing Education

1. Mobile Science Laboratory - A Powerful Tool For Revolutionizing Education Science could be an intimidating or an extremely interesting subject for students depending on how it is taught in schools. The foundation of science lies in experimenting. It is vital that students at the school level go through principles of science by relating them to daily life happenings as that will make them appreciate and understand the concepts in a better fashion. A mobile science laboratory is one such step towards bringing experiments to every school in the form of a large number of scientific equipment and instruments like laptops, LCD projector, microscope, telescopes, binoculars, robot kits, optical kits, magnets, chemicals, measuring instruments, mineral ores, and much more. Any classroom can be converted to a state-of-art full-scale lab with mobile science labs. In the course of this article, we will understand what a mobile science lab is, its benefits, and some of its major applications. What is a Mobile Science Laboratory? The main purpose of a mobile science lab is to encourage students to carry out experiments to understand the basic principles of science. The mobile science lab visits schools, museums, and many other community organizations so that schools that lack educational resources can benefit from it. Many countries like India, the US, the UK, etc. are practicing MSL or mobile science lab techniques.

2. ● A mobile science lab is usually housed within an RV (recreational vehicle), semi tractor-trailer truck, or a converted bus. A mobile science lab typically visits senior and senior secondary schools within a district but in some cases, students might also travel to the MSL (for example if the MSL is within a boat or a train.) There could also be a collection of documentary movies in an MSL. The movies are related to the universe and our lives with the motive of generating interest in science amongst people, specifically school students. The MSL also has stepwise experiment write-ups along with videos which enhances teaching. ● ● ● Benefits of Mobile Science Laboratories The main aim of MSL is to provide educational resources to schools that lack basic equipment. By doing this they get students more interested in science and experimenting which enables better learning. ● A mobile science lab is a cheaper and more viable option compared to a fixed laboratory. Schools and universities can reduce their operating costs significantly by opting for MSL rather than having in-house labs. ● If space is an issue for an educational institute, then MSL makes it easy for them as they do not need to have extra space for labs within their premises. ● As MSLs are mobile, teachers can take science anywhere like in front of lecture halls, assemblies, classes, or other events, and use it as their demo stations. This is particularly helpful for primary schools where you might want to keep chemicals away from children. ● MSLs are also useful in other activities like onsite environmental monitoring and studies, scientific research, etc. ● A mobile science lab can be easily upgraded from time to time with advancements in science and technology. ● End-user experience is enhanced considerably with all the training, writeups, and videos provided in MSLs. ● Many security agencies, public health labs, environmental agencies, agricultural departments, geochemistry, military, etc. also make use of mobile science laboratories. ● MSL helps in organizing many district science exhibitions. ● Through community programs, MSLs also contribute in arranging career awareness programs in rural regions. ● One can use MSL for sky-watch events like viewing rare celestial events or moon surface gazing. ● In villages, MSLs are used to arrange evening community programs where they screen movies showcasing the importance of science or social issues.

3. Few Other MSL Applications There are various other types of mobile science labs which are designed for varied purposes. The equipment and technology fitted in these different MSLs are based on their goals. ● Agricultural testing and education - These mobile labs do hands-on experiments to find out water quality, explore wetlands, the level of contamination in wells, and food products that are environmentally friendly. In the US a mobile lab can monitor and fight diseases related to livestock, bioterrorism, and other such issues. ● Mobile medical labs - The sophisticated lab equipment in mobile labs can test for potentially dangerous outbreaks. The labs could also serve pets and livestock with their veterinary services. Other services that MSLs offer include blood chemistry requirements, anthropometry measurements, pulmonary function testing, nutritional analysis, mental health screening, etc. ● Law enforcement - There are mobile crime labs that are becoming popular for fighting crimes. Laced with the capacity to analyze and process crime at the scene of the crime, MSLs can help carry out crime investigation effectively. Mobile crime labs can collect and analyze evidence on time and expedite the crime investigation process. ● Geochemistry and water quality analysis - Organizations that specialize in soil, water, and soil vapor analysis for Gas Chromatography (GC) and Mass spectrometry (GC/MC) also use mobile labs. They use MSLs to carry out tests to determine toxic organic compounds in the environment like ambient air, volatile organic compounds in solid wastes, etc. Invigorate Teaching Science in Schools With Mobile Science Laboratories Tech Mahindra is a pioneer in bringing science to rural areas in India with its mobile science lab. Their labs have inquiry-based curricular equipment and materials. Their mobile bus can accommodate 45 learners at a time and is equipped with a 43 inches LCD screen having smart board features. The bus has AC and is backed by a generator for uninterrupted learning. Students can also be completely safe with features like GPS tracking, CCTV cameras, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and oxygen cylinders. Mobile science labs by Tech Mahindra promote social development by building the capacity of the beneficiaries. Source: https://nehanaayar.blogspot.com/2022/03/mobile-science-laboratory-powerful-tool_3.html