Through a $10,000 gift from Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), the entity that manages the Laboratory, students at Hart Middle School in Pleasanton can work at their desks while searching the Internet for answers to such questions as, "Why do earthquakes occur?" or "What are genetic disorders?"

No longer do the students have to travel to another room or wait for time on the library computer in order to complete their assignments, thanks to the purchase of 16 new laptop computers to establish a mobile science lab.

The laptops, stored in a metal, movable cart, can be transferred from one classroom to another based on need and provide the students with additional resources and activities for science lessons while in class.

"The science department has wanted a mobile laptop lab for several years and this gift has made it possible," Megan Lipman, chair of the science department at Hart Middle School said. "We are very excited about all of the online labs and simulations our students can now perform in our classrooms."

LLNS provides funds to non-profit organizations dedicated to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

"These young students are our future," said George Miller, LLNS President and Laboratory Director. "They represent the next generation of scientists, researchers, engineers and computer scientists. With this gift, we hope to encourage their pursuit of science."

Founded in 1952, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a national security laboratory, with a mission to ensure national security and apply science and technology to the important issues of our time. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is managed by Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.