COSAM News Articles 2024 09 Department of Geosciences kicks off brainstorming sessions for Geo Explorer Auburn, a new 35-foot mobile science lab

Department of Geosciences kicks off brainstorming sessions for Geo Explorer Auburn, a new 35-foot mobile science lab

Published: 09/06/2024

By: Maria Gebhardt

“We have an amazing opportunity to make an impact on science throughout the state of Alabama with one of the largest mobile labs in the world,” said Timothy Hawthorne, chair of the Department of Geosciences.

Faculty, staff and students had an opportunity to share their input at the first planning session for the new mobile science lab.

“The vehicle will travel throughout the state of Alabama to bring hands-on science activities to K-12 students, teachers and communities,” said Hawthorne. “The interior of the lab will be solar powered with an industry partnership and completely self-sufficient as it parks at schools to provide engaging learning experiences connected to state and national science and social studies standards.”

Attendees at the brainstorming session shared ideas for science activities that will be in the interior portion of the mobile lab.

“The brainstorming session was a great experience that focused on collaborating with interested partners to further the mission and profile of the Geosciences Department at Auburn,” said Adam A. Payne, senior lecturer of geography. “The energy and excitement in the room were palpable and continued to grow as ideas were shared. The mobile lab will reflect the best our department has to offer. It will also illustrate the wide range of topics that the geosciences cover, everything from the material that makes up the earth, to interactions on the surface, to how humans have cultivated cultural landscapes, to the atmosphere and oceans.”

The session included students to seasoned faculty in the department.

“It was exciting to see everyone working in groups, coming up with great ideas to go into the Geo Explorer Auburn RV,” said Tony Hall, manager, lab teaching. “With each group having some overlapping ideas, that means they are all on the same page to moving this project forward!”

And the project is going to make a difference to students throughout the state.

“This project not only supports the land-grant mission of Auburn University, but it is going to help us inspire today’s students to become tomorrow's leaders in science and technology,” said Hawthorne.

To learn more about the Geo Explorer Auburn mobile lab, visit: https://www.citizensciencegis.org/geo-explorer-auburn.

Partners are welcome and needed to bring this vision to life for Alabama schools and communities. Please contact us to express interest. Please share on social media with #GeoExplorerAuburn.