High School students get first taste of lab work

The 70 students were able to check out Lincoln’s new science facilities and biology lab in Waimarie, where they used the microscopes to look at different kinds of biological material.

They needed to prepare three samples, identify the different features and use their artistic skills to create biological drawings.

They then related the different features to cells and tissue functions, including evaporation and respiration.

For many, like 16-year-old Abby Wilson, it was their first time using science equipment in a professional environment.

Abby said working in a real research space was an exciting change. It gave her the opportunity to see the type of environment she could work in if she pursued science. Abby wants to work in an environmental field and is considering studying soils, with the ultimate goal of working in Antarctica.

She was surprised by the atmosphere at Lincoln, as she thought universities were always a serious environment. “It’s a lot more chill than I thought.”

Outside of the lab, students played an educational game where they used their knowledge of biology as a guide in making decisions around land management. They also learnt more about the university and the research conducted here.

Farms Educational Facilitator Lauren Roberts from the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences said conducting the assessment onsite at Lincoln University was a great way to introduce students to the university environment and to foster relationships with Lincoln High School and the wider community.

“It allowed us to share what we do and to get students using their biological knowledge to practice decision making.”

Feedback from students showed they really enjoyed our campus, had fun with the tasks and educational games, and developed a greater understanding of what Lincoln does within the science space, which spiked the interest of some students to study here in the future.