The teacher has to be thoroughly involved and must understand what's going on. As part of its outreach efforts, CityLab now uses a minivan to transport equipment from the university to five of its satellites at other high schools, a state college, and even a zoo in the region. Dr. Franzblau says CityLab will be able to reach even more students with a 40-foot mobile laboratory now under construction by a specialty vehicle company. The mobile laboratory will accommodate up to 20 students and is scheduled to visit regional high schools beginning in the fall. CityLab also has set up an after-school biotechnology club program that provides assistance to students working on science fair projects.
Several participants are from as far away as New Hampshire.
CityLab-trained instructors in Spokane, Washington, have used the curriculum, and a model program is expanding in Glasgow, Scotland. If funding can keep pace with the enthusiasm of teachers and students, the SEPA initiative will continue to make a significant contribution to the nation's understanding and appreciation of science.