Sheldon students experience science -- hands-on

Roger Price, left, talks to Sheldon eighth grade students on the BioBus on Thursday. Photos by Gloria Tucker/Daily Mail

Nevada Daily Mail

Missouri Western State University Western Institute's BioBus visited Sheldon school Thursday.

Each science class explored the biotechnology mobile laboratory, BioBus, which is equipped with equipment for experiments in biology, chemistry and physics as well as computers for measuring and graphing data.

Seventh grader Jason Leavell spins with weights while learning about the conservation of angular momentum outside the BioBus at Sheldon school Thursday.

"Students have been measuring all kinds of things like temperature, velocity, grip strength, heart rate and momentum," instructor Roger Price said. "This morning we demonstrated an explosion with a homemade cannon. We measured the momentum of the projectile and the launch recoil."

The BioBus began visiting schools three years ago and mainly serves Buchanan, Andrew, Platte, Clay, Jackson, DeKalb and Clinton counties. However, any school in the state can schedule a free visit once a year.

"Although we usually stay in the St. Joseph area, we've traveled to nearby schools in Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa," Price said. "Sheldon is as far south as we've gone so far."

Seventh grader Kortney Farris spins with weights while learning about the conservation of angular momentum outside the BioBus at Sheldon school Thursday. Roger Price, right, explains the science behind Farris' movement.

The goals of the program are to grow student interest in biotechnology, utilize scientific equipment to engage students and provide hands-on experiences.