Livingstone Range School Division toured the new mobile field study lab to schools in Fort Macleod, Claresholm, Nanton, Pincher Creek and the Crowsnest Pass on Sept. 23.
A new mobile field study lab will bring environmental science to students across Livingstone Range School Division.
The classroom on wheels will be based at the PEAKS Collegiate Campus in the Crowsnest Pass but will travel to schools.
“The goal is to get these kids interested in the environmental sciences,” Livingstone Range associate superintendent Chad Kuzyk said. “That’s our goal and this is one way we think we can do that.”
The mobile field study lab made stops last week at schools in Fort Macleod, Claresholm, Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and Nanton.
Close to 400 high school students toured the lab and learned of the opportunity to earn high school and post-secondary credits in botany, zoology, physical geology, and ecology.
PEAKS Collegiate Campus in the Crowsnest Pass is a partnership between Livingstone Range School Division and Lethbridge Polytechnic.
Students complete an on-line course and then go to the PEAKS campus for four days of hands-on activities and instruction.
While at the PEAKS campus, students will be introduced to industry partners as a way to make valuable career connections.
“The mobile field lab will support us when we’re out there,” Kuzyk said. “It will be booked out for the schools when we’re not using it for the collegiate.”
The mobile field labs allows junior high students to do some environmental science as well.
“It’s open to anyone, and we drop it off and support the teachers,” Kuzyk said.
The combination of hands-on and virtual programming creates a path for career and educational opportunities after high school in areas such as environmental assessment and restoration, natural resource compliance, and renewable resources management.
The programming is unique in Alberta, and possibly Canada.
“We’re the only ones I’m aware of,” Kuzyk said.
Johnathan Friesen, a lab technician at Lethbridge Polytechnic, was tasked with building the mobile field study lab.
Friesen had a Lethbridge company install galvanized steel cabinets for storage in the mobile lab.
“It’s all really well-built stuff,” Friesen said.
The mobile lab, which is insulated so it is comfortable for students in cold weather, runs on a 12-volt battery system that runs on solar power.
There is ample counter space where students can do their work, with a large flat-screen TV installed on one wall.
“I wanted to make it as versatile as I could,” Friesen said.
Student safety is a priority, with the lab equipped with an eye-wash station, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and other equipment.
The mobile can accommodate at least 12 students comfortably.
Livingstone Range School Board chair Lori Hodges welcomed the arrival of the mobile field study lab.
“Working with our partners at Lethbridge Polytechnic, we are excited to bring world-class environmental science education to students in southern Alberta,” Hodges said in a news release. “Together we are preparing our students for their future, today.”
Kuzyk said there are limited spots available in PEAKS Collegiate Campus courses for the first semester, with a registration deadline of Oct. 1,
Students can apply now for the second semester at www.peakscampus.ca/peaks-collegiate-campus/apply.
Community partners interested in student mentorship and practicums, or sponsorship opportunities can contact Chad Kuzyk at 403-625-3356.
