Mobile Science Lab Will Teach Astoria Residents About Marine Life

ASTORIA, QUEENS — A mobile science lab is parking in Astoria this summer to teach students of all ages about marine life in Hallets Cove.

The BioBus Mobile Research Lab will stop by the Astoria Houses Community Center twice-a-week through August 13 to offer free educational programs on marine ecology and scientific research, officials announced Tuesday.

Scientists will train students to use microscopes in an effort to prepare them for possible careers in STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The NYC Economic Development Corporation launched the BioBus program in Astoria as part of its cleanup and restoration of Hallets Cove. Students will learn how to conduct research projects on marine life in the cove.

"Too often, children sadly don’t have a connection with or understanding of nature – even the ecology within a city – which is what BioBus aims to change," City Council Member Costa Constantinides said in a statement.

"Just as important, these students see firsthand that they can one day have careers in the field and become tomorrow’s innovators."

City officials and the Astoria Houses Tenant Association launched the BioBus program Monday.

It will be open to the public Mondays and Tuesdays near the Astoria Houses Community Center, located at 4-5 Astoria Blvd. The program ends Aug. 13.