Keep the Bugmobile Rolling!

If today’s learner can be anywhere in the world, then why can’t today’s teachers? 

The Bugmobile is a one-of-a-kind collaborative project between Airstream and The Ohio State University. Two American icons from the Buckeye State, coming together to create something that has never been done. This groundbreaking creation, made possible with design and installation help from Creative Mobile Interiors, is a mobile combination of classroom, museum, zoo, and laboratory. We can load up the Airstream with learning and display materials ─and most importantly, live animals─ and take them to any locale.

Imagine. Learning about pollinator anatomy and behavior in a fully stocked classroom, and then stepping directly outside into a working bee yard and orchard. 

Going on a field collecting trip in a remote location, and returning to the Bugmobile to identify your finds and broadcast them out to your learners, who can tune in from anywhere in the world.

Identifying underserved communities around the state of Ohio, and bringing access to science and exposure to wildlife right to their front doors.

Partnering with institutions like COSI and our world famous Columbus Zoo, along with others like 4H and YMCA, to bring our collection and experts out into the community.

Operating this one-of-a-kind vehicle is a dream come true for someone with a passion for welcoming others into the world of Entomology, but it also comes with quite a price tag!

Gas, repairs, and yearly maintenance add up to create a considerable expense. Additionally, the Ohio State Insectary - where all of the Bugmobile Ambassador Animals live and thrive - is a real, live, working zoo and requires employees and equipment to maintain. While we do charge for our engagement in order to offset costs, we never seek to recapture our total investment, let alone make a profit.

The idea is this: Those who want to have the Bugmobile visit their school or community center and can afford to pay for their bookings. Those who can’t afford to reimburse us are charged a lower or no fee! It’s a tale of Ohioans helping Ohioans spread science, love for creatures great and small, and most of all, fun!

With the exploding popularity of the Bugmobile and Bug Boxes, comes increased use. With this, comes increased expenses. With the help of generous donors like you, we can keep the Bugmobile rolling so we can visit every place possible to show scientists of tomorrow some of their opportunities today!

Please help us keep the Bugmobile rolling!