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 Basic scientists search for new knowledge without concern for how it will be used. But much of what Carver practiced was “applied science.” Applied scientists seek to apply knowledge from one or more natural scientific fields to practical problems.
Carver devoted much of his career applying scientific knowledge to improve agricultural practices in the South. He believed his research was pointless if he couldn’t bring knowledge to the people, so he spent hours talking to farmers about his methods.
 A Mobile Classroom
Eventually, Booker T. Washington approached Carver about the idea of a “moveable school.” Carver went straight to the drawing board, designing a multipurpose wagon that could display charts, agricultural products, and equipment. A series of lectures and demonstrations could be given from the wagon.
The result was a mobile school called the Jesup Wagon. It was named after the man who funded it, Morris K. Jesup, a New York financier and philanthropist.
The Wagon’s Impact
The Jesup Wagon program, launched in 1906, spread knowledge of scientific agriculture to Alabama farmers and helped Carver gain fame as an agriculturalist and chemist.
During its inaugural summer, the Wagon reached an estimated 2,000 people each month. After its fame grew, visitors came from China, India, Russia, and other countries to see the wagon and later motorized versions.
 Bringing Soil to the Students
The idea of a "moveable school" continues today with The Field Museum's Soil Adventure Mobile or "SAM."
Using SAM, Field Museum educators bring the world of soil to schools and students across the Chicago area. Educators give lessons in the diversity of life found in soil and the important role soil plays in everyone's lives, farmers and city dwellers alike
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Continue to Helping Farmers in the Field. >>
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