Coordinator of the Mobile Bioclass: students' interest in the life sciences hasn't gone anywhere

In my opinion, the greatest value of the traveling biology classroom is that it gives students the opportunity to actually apply what they’ve learned in class. During a Mobile Bioclass visit, students learn about the structure of DNA and how every bit of knowledge related to it is applied in real life. It’s worth noting that school visits are free of charge, which means that students can all have this great experience together.

Image

We ended the successful 2025–2026 academic year with 12 school visits, but also attended four annual events: the University of Tartu Open Doors Day, the Student Science Festival, Researchers’ Night in the Omicum Science Building, and Career Day at Viimsi upper secondary school.

University Lab in a school environment

According to the instructors, the overall atmosphere at every school is positive: students and teachers prepare for our visit well in advance, are considerate of us, and help us when needed. On several occasions, students have asked questions during the workshop about the University of Tartu, the instructors’ fields of study, the subjects taught, and our everyday life in general. We are always happy to answer them and introduce the university as best we can.

I also remember a workshop, where the participants were very interested about studying in our university. Later that year, quite a few of them visited us back through student shadowing programme, in order to learn more about genetic engineering, biology, and conservation biology.

Having access to a modern science lab is very important for both teachers and students, since many schools either don’t have a lab at all or lack the high-quality equipment needed to conduct more advanced experiments. In addition, it is more convenient for schools to invite us instead of trying to organize a trip to Tartu themselves. Mobile bioclass is able to visit all schools in Estonia. Since the spring of 2013, we have reached upper secondary schools in larger cities, smaller rural schools, and even the bigger islands of our country.

Teaching is very rewarding

School students' interest in the life sciences has not waned. This is evident both in the number of applicants to relevant university programs each year and in the subject approaches of upper secondary scools. Mobile bioclass has been invited back to schools time and again, as the project has provided a valuable experience for both students and teachers.

The practical outcomes of the workshop give students a clearer idea of what life sciences actually entail and whether a career in this field might be a good fit for them. I also became the coordinator of the traveling biology classroom for a very simple reason: I absolutely loved the idea and purpose of this project.

I remember one of the first times I stepped into the role of a lecturer in a biology class. The entire class listened to me with rapt attention, the students wanted to take as much as possible from the lesson, asked relevant questions and participated actively. At that moment, I realized how necessary a project that brings something new and exciting to the school day, really is.

Through Mobile Bioclass, I remained actively involved in science communication, and when I was asked to lead the project for one academic year, it was a very easy decision to accept. I am very happy to look back on this opportunity with joy and to pass the baton to the new coordinator.