Above: The old Vessel of Science, packed
with microscopes, centrifuges, and
photospectromiters.

The very cool-sounding Wildlands School in Augusta* is in the running for a $50,000 grant from Clorox in a contest the company calls “Power A Bright Future Program.” The contest is providing five winning schools with a $50,000 grant to fund a program of the school’s choice. Wildlands School, a 7-12 charter school, has a unique desire – to duplicate a 22 year old bus that they’ve converted into a mobile lab by removing half the seats and equipping it with microscopes, centrifuges, photospectromiters and other equipment to explore the natural world. The current bus was bought decades ago, and converted into a Vessel of Science (my term, not theirs) only 5 years ago to allow students to participate in unique project-based learning – projects that have benefitted the community with several studies. With the bus in ill condition, the school could use the grant money to purchase a new one and continue their unique program, hopefully allowing students to work as consultants for lake associations, schools, cities, and even the DNR.

They’re in the running, but need your help! You can help the local Wildlands School by going online to www.powerabrightfuture.com and simply casting your vote for them. Takes no time at all.

* The 7-12 charter school is a partnership between the Augusta School District and Beaver Creek Reserve.