The PolarPODibus

The PolarPODibus is no ordinary bus. Designed as a mobile scientific outreach workshop, it has been traveling across France since 2023 to introduce young people to the Polar POD expedition, ocean sciences, and climate issues.

Its principle is simple: bringing science to where it doesn’t always reach. The bus travels to academies throughout France, with particular attention to rural areas and institutions far from major scientific centers. In two years, it has already visited more than 10 academies, nearly 130 institutions, and organized over 450 activities. In 2024 alone, more than 10,000 students were able to discover the Polar PODibus and experience a unique scientific immersion.

Thanks to these workshops, students of all levels immerse themselves in a multidisciplinary project, a source of inspiration and concrete learning. Models, experiments, videos, quizzes, and hands-on activities allow students to step into the shoes of Polar POD explorers and scientists. The ePOD, a 3D digital replica of the vessel, completes the experience: one can virtually explore the station, understand its scientific instrumentation, and follow its expedition in real time.

The PolarPODibus is also a tool for inclusion. Through its content and its desire to reach all types of education and all territories, it is an ode to science for all, to equal opportunities, and to environmental commitment. In 2024, the analysis of visited institutions showed a high proportion of activities in remote or socially vulnerable areas, confirming the bus’s mission: to make science an adventure shared by all.

The program has been successful: it is supported by both the academies, the Ministry of National Education, and a growing number of partners. Since 2025, it has also been supported by the Ministry of Ecological Transition thanks to its “La Mer en Commun” label.

For students, the PolarPODibus is much more than a school activity: it is an encounter with exploration, a discovery of the researcher’s profession, and an invitation to engage with the major environmental issues of today and tomorrow.

Find the Polar POD and PolarPODibus project on Eduscol:

Key Figures

– 433 institutions made aware since launch
– +28,000 students met across all educational levels, from primary school to high school
– 12 academies covered in 83 weeks of touring

– 1,081 science outreach sessions conducted on board

– three academic years
– 100% mobile: an itinerant educational space that reaches out to the public

Feedback from institutions attests to the significant educational impact of the PolarPODibus on both students and teachers.

“Students are still talking about it a week after the session. Perhaps vocations were sparked by this high-quality session. The images, models, experiments, explanations… everything was very well thought out and executed.”
Cité Scolaire Middle School — Bordeaux Academy

“This session is remarkable and should be presented to more students AND teachers.”
Jean Lurçat Middle School — Limoges Academy

“An excellent introduction to make the science and technology curriculum meaningful, and to raise our young students’ awareness of environmental preservation.”
Gaston-David Villaret School — Montpellier Academy

“The students were very pleased with the facilitator’s presentation, who was able to adapt their remarks to the audience.”
Colbert High School — Rennes Academy