The Eco-Bus, a classroom on wheels aimed at helping area youths learn about the environment, was unveiled this week at an event at the GVSU Alumni House and Visitor Center.
GVSU's Regional Math and Science Center, working with the Jenison, Grandville and Hudsonville public schools and the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, helped develop the program, which will involve fifth and sixth graders, as well as high school students.
The Eco-Bus was created by retrofitting a used Jenison Public School bus with laboratory workstations, customized cabinetry, TV monitors, a Global Positioning System, flex camera and computer science equipment. The $55,000 mobile lab was almost entirely funded through donations by parent clubs, area businesses and local foundations.
It will be used by students from Grandville, Hudsonville and Jenison to conduct field experiments, including water and soil analysis, at the local YMCA's Camp Optimist. The students will also study examples of succession, predator-prey relationships, and human effect on the environment. The data collected by the students in all three districtts will be posted and shared on the Eco-Bus Web site.
The bus is expected to serve 1,900 students in its first year.
Based at GVSU, the Regional Math and Science Center addresses issues relating to science literacy in the community, providing and coordinating leadership programs, and services to achieve excellence for all in the teaching, learning, and application of mathematics and science. The center serves students, teachers, parents, school districts, business and industry, and other organizations interested and involved in mathematics and science education in Allegan, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties.
Media representatives are invited to an Eco-Bus tour and dinner Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the Grand Valley State University Alumni House in Allendale. The event includes a 6 p.m. tour of the Eco-Bus, a 6:30 dinner and a presentation on the bus at 7:15. To RSVP, contact Jan Mullennix at (616) 669-4880.
