Seminole County’s mobile Physics Buses bring STEM to elementary schools
BY CELESTE SPRINGER SEMINOLE COUNTY
As careers in STEM fields continue to grow, Seminole County Public Schools is using a fleet of mobile Physics Buses to bring science education to students across the area.
The Department of Labor projects a nearly 11% growth in the number of people expected to work in STEM fields from 2021 to 2031 — a number that is more than twice the growth expected in non-STEM jobs.
In Seminole County, school district officials say they’ve been spending the past few years trying to meet this need for STEM education in schools.
The district currently has a fleet of three of Physics Buses — which are funded by private donors — that tour around all 37 elementary schools throughout the school year.
“The whole mission is for every student in Seminole County — regardless of which school they go to, which teacher they have — to have equal access, equal opportunity, and equal experience,” said Physics Bus teacher Jeffrey Dudukovich.
Dudukovich teaches on the optics bus, but the program has two other buses focusing on electricity and mechanics.
On board, students get hands on with demonstrations, many of which would not be possible in a regular classroom.
The optics bus, for example, has blacked-out windows and special colored lights inside.
“It has such a wow factor that the kids are really, really engaged,” said Dudukovich. “They’re really excited about it, and we create memories.”
He said the program began in 2020, and since its launch, some of the very first students have told him they still remember their lesson many years later. He also mentioned that some concepts taught on the bus are being used at the high school level.
“To know you’re making a difference is definitely fulfilling,” Dudukovich said.
After the buses make their rounds to 37 elementary schools, they then visit Title I Schools.