Mobile Science Lab-the STEAM Bus

The Magic School Bus is a reality for Columbia Public Schools. Inside the STEAM Bus, students learn about optics, 3-D printing, photosynthesis, and coding. Most ordinary buses during the year are either parked close to a building under a shaded tree or in a garage to keep cool. You’ll find the STEAM Bus however, parked in the sun absorbing energy. An issue arose with the instruments on the bus using more and more of the bus’ battery. To alleviate this issue, 3M partnered up with Sundog Solar, who funded and donated time and money to put 10 flexible solar panels to fit the curvature of the bus. The energy absorbed from the solar panels allows the instruments to work more efficiently and therefore aren’t reliant on the battery from the bus. Dan Shifley from Dogwood Solar tells ABC17News the solar panels have a barrier that will allow the panels to outlive the bus.