The Remote Access Instrumentation Laboratory (RAIL) program seeks to leverage technology to provide access to high-end scientific instrumentation for middle and high schools across the state of Maryland and beyond. By bridging the resource divide among institutions through technology, RAIL functions to increase teacher content knowledge while inspiring the next generation of scientists and researchers.
Science is premised on asking questions about the world and seeing answers through the scientific method. Students learn best through “doing,” or active learning. Unfortunately, many schools have limited resources in which to practice science using advanced instrumentation. RAIL is the basis of a new model for outreach by UMBC to provide opportunity and inspiration to students from every corner of the state.
Students in a science class are able to collect samples and submit them for analysis. The teacher logs into RAIL from the classroom to control and remotely operate the instrument with the class. Classrooms have real-time video chats with scientists. Ultimately, the data that is generated is analyzed by the students using math, graphing, and technology to produce results relevant to their lives and surroundings.
