Maine’s Mobile Biolab is getting around! Recently lab educators Heather Carlisle and Anna Stehlik teamed up with scientists Matt Farragher and Josie Miller from the 7 Lakes Alliance in Belgrade to collect water samples from Salmon Lake and McGrath Pond. These samples were preserved and will be used to help teach students across the state about algal blooms and the crucial role balance plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Students will use FlowCam technology available aboard the BIOLAB to screen the samples for cyanobacteria, and then genetically test the samples for the presence of toxins.
Through authentic, hands-on learning, the Maine Mobile BIOLAB hopes to inspire young minds to understand the impact of human activities on natural environments and the importance of protecting Maine’s precious water resources as well as highlighting exciting career opportunities in ecology, conservation, genetics, and engineering.
