The Bisbee Science Exploration & Research Center (BSERC), in collaboration with Central School Project, posted its first call for proposals, encouraging science and artistic-minded persons to work independently or collaboratively to design, build, and install an interactive STEAM exhibit on the theme of FOOD. Unsure where exactly this proposal topic would lead, they were excited to have an exhibit created and designed and crafted by the community. 

By applying for a RAIN grant, BSERC was able to fund the winning bid based on their budget proposal. The winning exhibit was designed by Solstead, a local organization founded to provide the Bisbee community with resources to help lead a sustainable lifestyle and to create a space for natural builders and artists to practice and teach their work.

The inspiration behind the exhibit was to create a visual, immersive experience encompassing all things related to growing your own food. From soil, to planting, to composting and worms, the exhibit worked to touch on everything involved with turning seeds and soil into food. 

The exhibit explained the basic science behind the food cycle (how decomposing organic material becomes soil in which we can grow more food), as well as a compost bin that visitors can turn.

The Bisbee Science Lab, Central School Project, and Solstead all came together to make the food system and composting accessible to everyone; and thanks to RAIN they were able to. Learn more about how to fund your own project on our website. 

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The Arizona Rural Activation and Innovation Network (RAIN) is funded by the National Science Foundation to oversee grant funding for informal STEM education projects in four rural Arizona communities: Cochise County, Graham and Greenlee County, the Verde Valley, and the Navapache/White Mountains region. RAIN acts as a resource for best practices in informal STEM program development and works to highlight effective STEM programs, employers  and organizations across the state of Arizona. Interested in applying for a grant? Visit our website today and learn more about the opportunities in your community.