STEAM bus to bring science to S.C. students

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Elementary school students in Hartsville and Darlington will soon see a new bus in town.

The S.C. Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics is launching the GSSM Elementary Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics Bus, a mobile science lab that will serve students in third through fifth grades.

Made possible by a donation from Hartsville-based nonprofit Byerly Foundation, the STEAM bus, along with a GSSM instructor, will travel to schools throughout the state after its closer-to-home pilot year, according to a news release. Students will be able to participate in hands-on science and technology activities and projects in fields such as engineering, chemistry and electronics.

“The inspirational things that we see and touch as children are a big part of who we become as adults,” Bob Brown, Byerly Foundation board of trustees chair, said in the release. “Those early experiences, especially the tangible ones, plant the seeds of what is possible in our young minds.” 

The bus is designed to complement GSSM’s existing educational outreach program.

“The STEAM bus is not only aimed towards educating the younger generations, but it also aids teachers and schools across South Carolina to meet their curricular needs with support, content and enthusiasm,” Gary Gabel, GSSM director of elementary programs, said.