Bisbee Science Lab

BSERC Annex programming
Continue to build on annex programming including Science Friday (programming for students who are not in school on Fridays), Maker/Tinker Space, and Pie & Sky events.
Build partnerships to create a STEM based showcase of local and regional exhibits including, but not limited to, agrivoltaics, plants and trees suitable to local landscapes, bio-blitz research grid, and summer camps.
Create space suitable for hosting local STEM clubs, in partnership with schools, 4-H, and others. Clubs may include robotics, rocketry, and astronomy.
Enhance marketing efforts for Annex programming.
Solicit and train volunteers interested in Annex programming.
Continue to solicit public input and engagement and collect data to evaluate programming and determine programming interest.

Bisbee Science Lab – Queen Mine Tour location
Continue to work with QMT staff to identify mutually beneficial marketing and programming opportunities addressing student and visitor demographics.
Create additional exhibits through open-calls for proposals that encourage science/art collaborations creating interactive exhibits that engage persons across age groups.
Work with QMT staff to develop a geology tour.
Solicit and train volunteers interested in becoming docents at the Lab
Continue to solicit public input and engagement to evaluate programming and exhibit interest.

Science Cafes
Identify topics and speakers for a twelve month period.
Continue to solicit public input and engagement to evaluate programming and topic interest

Research
Create data collection tools and develop opportunities for the public to provide feedback on existing programming and future programming.
Collect data throughout BSERC’s programming
Analyze and share data with public and partner

Mobile Lab
Seek resources for the development of a curriculum-based mobile environmental science lab that will travel to field sites and schools across Cochise County

History

In 2017, the City of Bisbee, Freeport McMoRan (FMI), M. Greene Planning & Resource Development, Rural Activation and Innovation Network (RAIN), and University of Arizona South’s Education Department came together to discuss mutual interests and how each might achieve their individual goals and objectives through a collaborative economic and education development endeavor. To that end, these five organizations determined that a feasibility study was required to examine the formation of a multi-faceted, non-profit, science exploration and research center that could (1) promote tourism, (2) provide experiential science learning activities for students; (3) facilitate the professional development of teachers; and (4) support ongoing STEAM research; thereby substantially improving the overall economic and education outlook and conditions for Bisbee.

With USDA funding and financial support from FMI, Arizona Public Service (APS), RAIN, as well as volunteer support from University of Arizona South, the City of Bisbee, and M. Greene Planning & Resource Development the feasibility study was completed in August 2018. The Study suggested the project was feasible and in October 2018, a second USDA grant along with financial support from partners and sponsors helped to open a store-front, pop-up science center on Main Street in Bisbee.

The Bisbee Science Lab, located at 478 N Dart Road in old Bisbee is operated as part of the Design Phase for a permanent Science Center. The Lab hosts Science Café, a lecture series, provides exhibits in support of that series, and develops exhibit based experiences for people to be engaged in regional scientific research. Utilizing Virtual and Augmented Reality technology, visitors can learn about a variety of scientific and technology based programs that reach beyond our region and even beyond our planet. Data collected from visitors will inform the development of a permanent science center and the types of exhibits that are most interesting and useful in providing an informal learning experience for the visitor.