LETHBRIDGE SCHOOL DIVISION
LCS students dive into hands-on learning at Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute

On Thursday, Dec. 18, students at Lethbridge Christian School had a special opportunity as part of the Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute (SACI) Explore, Engage, Experience (E3) initiative.

"This was a special chance for my students to engage in hands-on learning," said Nicole Kish, a Grade 6 teacher at LCS. "This new space is beautiful and provides an exciting opportunity for curriculum enrichment and exposure to the trades."

LCS students were able to experience firsthand inspections on cars and ran their own electrical circuit.

"The facility provides the space, equipment and tools for students to experience a variety of learning opportunities including trades, healthcare and agriculture," said Kish. "To have access to this type of opportunity for our students is incredible, especially for schools like ours with limited space and access to tools and materials. We are looking forward to going back to engage in the other programs."

Lori Adamson - Junior High Program teacher for the Institute, explained SACI is a collaborative partnership between seven school divisions Lethbridge, Holy Spirit, Horizon, Palliser, Westwind, Livingstone Range and Grasslands, along with Lethbridge Polytechnic. The E3 program serves students in Grades 7-9 across these divisions.

During the visit, LCS students participated in a trades-focused workshop where they explored hands-on skills related to automotive and electrical trades.

Activities included performing a basic vehicle inspection (checking oil, topping up washer fluid, checking tire pressure, safely jacking up a vehicle and loosening a tire in preparation for a change), as well as wiring a switch and lightbulb.

"They were with us for five hours, and also got a tour of our facility," said Adamson. "The purpose of the E3 program is to expose students to a wide range of career pathways and give them opportunities to try hands-on activities they may not otherwise experience in a school setting. In addition to trades, SACI also offers agriculture and health care workshops. Each workshop is delivered by two teachers and supported by SACI's specialized equipment and facilities."