New mobile STEM lab to tour Maryland schools

The trailer is the country's largest and most advanced mobile science laboratory, MdBio said.(Courtesy MdBio Foundation)
The trailer is the country’s largest and most advanced mobile science laboratory, MdBio said. (Courtesy MdBio Foundation)
The mobile science laboratory can accommodate up to 42 students at a time --
 expanding the program's student capacity by 20 percent. (Courtesy MdBio Foundation)
The mobile science laboratory can accommodate up to 42 students at a time — expanding the program’s student capacity by 20 percent. (Courtesy MdBio Foundation)
Students participate in a science activity inside the trailer. (Courtesy MdBio Foundation)
Students participate in a science activity inside the trailer. (Courtesy MdBio Foundation)
The goal of the trailer, according to MdBio, is to inspire students to pursue STEM careers. (Courtesy of MdBio Foundation)
The goal of the trailer, according to MdBio, is to inspire students to pursue STEM careers. (Courtesy MdBio Foundation)
MdBio expects the trailer to reach 10,000 students in 35 different high schools this year. (Courtesy MdBio Foundation)
MdBio expects the trailer to reach 10,000 students in 35 high schools this year.  (Courtesy MdBio Foundation)
(1/5)
The trailer is the country's largest and most advanced mobile science laboratory, MdBio said.(Courtesy MdBio Foundation)
The mobile science laboratory can accommodate up to 42 students at a time --
 expanding the program's student capacity by 20 percent. (Courtesy MdBio Foundation)
Students participate in a science activity inside the trailer. (Courtesy MdBio Foundation)
The goal of the trailer, according to MdBio, is to inspire students to pursue STEM careers. (Courtesy of MdBio Foundation)
MdBio expects the trailer to reach 10,000 students in 35 different high schools this year. (Courtesy MdBio Foundation)

WASHINGTON — Rockville-based nonprofit MdBio Foundation has a brand new mobile science laboratory that will tour local schools to raise student interest in STEM careers.

MdBio said the trailer, manufactured by Triune Specialty Trailers, is the country’s largest and most advanced mobile science laboratory. Called the Mobile eXploration Lab, or MXLab, it will travel throughout Maryland to deliver hands-on science, technology, engineering and math education experiences to youth and teens.

MdBio was founded in 1991, and provides students with access to advanced technology not generally available in school settings, with a goal of inspiring them to pursue STEM careers.

Its mobile lab program started in 2003. MdBio said the program has served 140,000 students to date.

The MXLab will expand the program’s student capacity by 20 percent. The trailer can accommodate up to 42 students at a time.

It expects to reach 10,000 students in 35 high schools this year.

“The Mobile eXploration Lab is a fun and engaging environment for students to explore science, technology and the lucrative career opportunities available to them,” said MdBio Foundation CEO Brian Gaines.

MDBio’s traditional curriculum is based on biology, chemistry and environmental science, and it has recently added new activities such as data set modeling, integrated computing, cyber security and game-based learning.

MdBio operates other STEM education programs as well, including its Young Science Explorers Program for middle school students, the Maryland BioGENEius Award, its Advancing Tomorrow’s Leaders in STEM program, and college and career symposiums.

Jeff Clabaugh

Jeff Clabaugh has spent 20 years covering the Washington region's economy and financial markets for WTOP as part of a partnership with the Washington Business Journal, and officially joined the WTOP newsroom staff in January 2016.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up