The Science Lab
The Science Laboratory at LHE should feature a variety of on-going science projects, not just for the local students, but for all students in San Mateo County who might visit on field trips. In partnerships with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), local universities, and other STEM programs, the LHE science lab will have space for current studies, instructional experiments, and a mini-Exploratorium.
Studies in the adjacent La Honda Creek Open Space include the monitoring of endangered or at-risk species (including the Red-Legged Frog, the San Francisco Garter Snake, and a number of native plants), the monitoring of rangeland and cattle grazing operations (including possible public interactions), and the monitoring and removal of non-native species (both plants & animals). Therefore, an area dedicated to monitoring the nature in our local Open Spaces will be a primary feature.
Crowd-sourced nature monitoring is also a new and important way of learning about changes in the natural environment. Thus, students will use iNaturalist, Leafsnap, and a variety of apps, sites, and tech-tools to help them learn about what others are observing. (Learning about how others use local open spaces and state/county parks will undoubted expand horizons for all students.)
Students will learn about Geology, Botany, Zoology, and Ecology from a variety of on-going field science projects. In addition to experiments, there will be interactive displays where students can explore earth, plants, animals, and various biomes before and after their own hikes into nature.
Local agriculture is another important feature for the Science Lab. Soil science, crop yields, companion planting, and the fundamentals of agro-ecology and sustainable food systems are important topics for current and future students. Local farmers and ranchers are ready, willing, and able to help students learn about organic horticulture, humane animal husbandry, and new discoveries in agricultural science. And the lab may facilitate more science in the LHE's own School Garden!
Certainly, such a Science Lab would be incomplete without a functioning Weather Station where students can learn about meteorology, climatology, precipitation/temperature, and changes thereto. Of course, this can be local, but it should also be global.
Not only will such a Science Lab be a compliment to our students' participation in Outdoor Education, but there are numerous college, university, and STEM-education programs that can be a part of the LHPUSD Science Program. (In fact, the district already has considerable private funding to support science education for our students!)
Finally, while a Science Lab at LHE would enhance science instruction for younger students, expanding the program for older students is a possibility for the future. Here are some ideas...
1. EcollegeE
2. Open Space Academy
The Science Laboratory at LHE should feature a variety of on-going science projects, not just for the local students, but for all students in San Mateo County who might visit on field trips. In partnerships with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), local universities, and other STEM programs, the LHE science lab will have space for current studies, instructional experiments, and a mini-Exploratorium.
Studies in the adjacent La Honda Creek Open Space include the monitoring of endangered or at-risk species (including the Red-Legged Frog, the San Francisco Garter Snake, and a number of native plants), the monitoring of rangeland and cattle grazing operations (including possible public interactions), and the monitoring and removal of non-native species (both plants & animals). Therefore, an area dedicated to monitoring the nature in our local Open Spaces will be a primary feature.
Crowd-sourced nature monitoring is also a new and important way of learning about changes in the natural environment. Thus, students will use iNaturalist, Leafsnap, and a variety of apps, sites, and tech-tools to help them learn about what others are observing. (Learning about how others use local open spaces and state/county parks will undoubted expand horizons for all students.)
Students will learn about Geology, Botany, Zoology, and Ecology from a variety of on-going field science projects. In addition to experiments, there will be interactive displays where students can explore earth, plants, animals, and various biomes before and after their own hikes into nature.
Local agriculture is another important feature for the Science Lab. Soil science, crop yields, companion planting, and the fundamentals of agro-ecology and sustainable food systems are important topics for current and future students. Local farmers and ranchers are ready, willing, and able to help students learn about organic horticulture, humane animal husbandry, and new discoveries in agricultural science. And the lab may facilitate more science in the LHE's own School Garden!
Certainly, such a Science Lab would be incomplete without a functioning Weather Station where students can learn about meteorology, climatology, precipitation/temperature, and changes thereto. Of course, this can be local, but it should also be global.
Not only will such a Science Lab be a compliment to our students' participation in Outdoor Education, but there are numerous college, university, and STEM-education programs that can be a part of the LHPUSD Science Program. (In fact, the district already has considerable private funding to support science education for our students!)
Finally, while a Science Lab at LHE would enhance science instruction for younger students, expanding the program for older students is a possibility for the future. Here are some ideas...
1. EcollegeE
2. Open Space Academy