IIT Kanpur’s mobile science lab brings STEM education to rural schools in UP

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has launched a Science Bus Project to bring hands-on STEM education to students from remote and underserved areas of Uttar Pradesh.

The mobile lab initiative was developed by IIT Kanpur faculty members Deepu Philip and Satyaki Roy in collaboration with the Council of Science & Technology, Uttar Pradesh (CST UP) and aims to nurture scientific thinking, creativity, and practical learning among students who primarily depend on traditional classrooms.

IIT Kanpur’s Science Bus project is a fully-equipped mobile classroom that travels to schools across UP. It carries laboratory equipment, scientific instruments, and learning materials that enable students to conduct experiments in physics, chemistry, biology, materials, and design.

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The project primarily focuses on students from remote rural regions, disadvantaged backgrounds, and single-teacher schools, giving them access to practical experiments that are otherwise beyond their reach, the release noted.

IIT Kanpur: Mobile science lab

Each session in IIT Kanpur’s Science Bus starts with a demonstration on the professional audio-visual setup where students watch experiments before they take part in hands-on laboratory activities. The outreach team provides explanations of scientific concepts along with hand-outs, pamphlets, and brochures.

The Science Bus promotes scientific awareness through exhibitions, and interactive presentations, and features advanced scientific tools, including telescopes, 3D printers, chemistry kits, physical science models, and smart materials.

The bus is presently based at the Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University (VBSPU) campus, from where it makes trips to nearby schools.

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Vandana Singh, vice-chancellor of VBSPU, and Rachana Agarwal, project executive officer at IIT Kanpur, said experimental learning plays a crucial role in developing scientific curiosity, innovative thinking, and logical reasoning. They noted that the Science Bus “extends science beyond textbooks,” connects learning with everyday life, and provides hands-on exposure that strengthens practical understanding and inspires young minds across the region.