SCienceLab

SCienceLab provides an opportunity for middle and high school science teachers to bring their classes to the University of South Carolina to experience inquiry-based science in the context of a university research laboratory. The students spend a whole day at the university doing a series of experiments that are led by members of a university research team.  The students interact with the professor leading the group as well as research technicians, graduate students, and undergraduate students who are members of the research team. Lunch is provided for all participants and the students have the opportunity to interact with the research team on an informal basis during the lunch break.

Each unit is investigative in nature and employs techniques used by the research laboratory that is teaching the class.  During the course of the day, the professor in charge of the unit explains the research that is currently underway in his/her laboratory and how it relates to the exercises being performed by the students.  

Another benefit is that the science teachers get to know the university research staff so that they feel comfortable contacting the researchers at other times during the school year.

SCienceLab scheduling for Spring 2012 has begun!

If you are interested in scheduling a laboratory visit, check the calendar link for available lab dates and then send an email to warrenml@mailbox.sc.edu or call 777-7692.

Note: We have developed a kit that contains the needed supplies and equipment so that you can do the Genetic Roots experiment in your classroom laboratory. If you are interested in borrowing the kit, contact Bert Ely at ely@sc.edu or 777-2768.

New! A second SCienceLab site is available at Furman University! They offer a taste receptor laboratory experience. To schedule a SCienceLab session at Furman, send an email to Dr. Laura Thompson or call her at 864-294-2085.

Funding for SCienceLab has been provided by a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Institutes of Health.