The new mobile environmental science lab created in partnership with Lethbridge College and Livingstone Range School Division.
A mobile environmental science lab created in partnership with Lethbridge College and Livingstone Range School Division will soon be used by students across the division.
The science laboratory on wheels will allow students to explore biomes across southern Alberta and do real field research, all while earning dual credit in high school and post-secondary Botany, Ecology, and Aquaponics courses.
“This lab will used by Grade 7-9 students all across our division in a variety of ecological spaces perfect for environmental science programming,” Livingstone Range associate superintendent of curriculum and innovation Chad Kuzyk said.
“Students will be able to conduct industry-standard studies in their local areas, collecting valuable data while earning credits toward high school graduation and post-secondary.”
Made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Alberta Education Dual Credit Enhancement Fund and built over the past 10 months, the 27 ft. long lab will deliver a state-of-the-art experiential learning opportunity at the standards required for authentic research.
The field study lab will be a component of the PEAKS Collegiate Campus experience.
This newly funded collegiate school — in partnership with Lethbridge College and industry collaborators, and based at the PEAKS Campus location — will provide students with a pathway into post-secondary education and careers in environmental science.
“This one of a kind mobile classroom was designed by members of our School of Environmental Sciences to ensure its features and contents align with our course offerings and support delivery from the field,” said Dr. Terry Kowalchuk, dean of the Centre for Technology, Environment and Design.
“Countless hours of planning and work went into this custom project so it could be comfortable and self-sufficient for students year-round, and we are excited to see the learning experiences that will take place within it.”
Outfitted with microscopes, nets, chest waders, binoculars, spotting scopes, sensors, storage tanks, safety kits, weather gear, water flow measuring software, a generator, and a canopy, the four-season lab will allow student learning to be truly experiential and increase the relevancy of the environmental science program of study.
“The partnership between Lethbridge College and Livingstone Range will create unlimited potential for students interested in studying and pursuing careers in environmental science,” Kuzyk said. “The benefits will be felt in education and industry across southern Alberta and beyond.”
Lethbridge College and Livingstone Range School Division last week unveiled the mobile lab at the PEAKS Campus west of Coleman.
