Hands-on science bus rolls around Philly.

What was once just a typical 40-foot passenger bus now has some serious business going on inside as Philadelphia elementary children compare crime scene fingerprints, extract DNA and protein from fruit and create rainbows from different color solutions to learn about density. With the comfort level and look of a classic diner the bus also has the technology touch, with a 42-inch plasma television, seven wireless computer stations, a digital surround sound system and a DVD player and VCR.

Launched by the local non-profit Educational Advancement Institute and equipped by Audio Video Systems Group, the Fattah Learning Lab is literally a science center on wheels. It first hit the road this spring and has visited 10 Philadelphia schools to date.

The program, named after Congressman Chaka Fattah who pushed for EAA funding, aims to serve mainly underrepresented students--those who normally don't have access to hands-on science or teacher science specialists, explains Project Director Sharlene Roberson. "When we go to schools that have science curriculum set up we work with the science teacher so that we're not duplicating what's being taught." she adds.

Anna Blakiston Day is one such school. Regular classroom teachers help students learn science content that's reinforced by hands-on experiences in the school's science lab, run by Science Specialist Teacher Colette Coyne. After she and Principal Karen Dean visited the Fattah Learning Lab during its initial tour, scheduling a school visit seemed like a must, Dean says. "The lab's science teacher, Ms. Erica James, was able to tap into the students' current level of science knowledge, as well as enhance their acquisition of new concepts." Chemistry, forensics and environmental topics got the attention of these young scientists.

And the bus' weeklong parking spot at the school garnered attention from the surrounding community, prompting some neighbors to stop by the school.

A.B. Day teachers have felt a sense of community at district-wide professional development experiences supporting hands-on science, as well. Coyne encourages a group of teachers from the school to attend these sessions along with her. and they'll often return to share and implement what they've learned, Dean says.

Meanwhile, EAA is learning that the lab is making a real impact on children and educators. "It has definitely hit its mark," says President Karen Nicholas. on the school district and beyond. "Teachers of other [local] facilities are calling to find out how the lab can come to their venue."