History
The Living Lab is the legacy of Dr. Carol Shestok, former K-5 Science Curriculum Coordinator for the Westford Public Schools. It began in 1998 as Carol's fourth-grade Earth Day Project at the Norman E. Day School. This Stream Team took part in the Massachusetts “Adopt-A-Stream” Program. The team conducted research to ascertain the environmental health of the Reed Brook habitat and reported results to the town Conservation Commission. The brook was safe but contained some road salt. Through successfully completing the program requirements, Day School fourth-graders were granted official adoption of the Reed Brook in 1998. Reed Brook became the charge of the Day School for protection of the aquatic habitat. The next step was to take this initiative to a higher level, a Living Lab where all elementary students in Westford could experience science in the field.
The Living Lab was dedicated on January 9, 2004. Through the commitment of townspeople who gave their time, expertise, materials, and funds, Carol's vision became a reality. Reed Brook had to be made accessible without destroying the surrounding environment. Students from Nashoba Regional Technical High School built a catwalk that allows safe access to the brook. Additionally an outdoor classroom including granite benches was installed by Derek Lyman, an Eagle Scout. Lab materials were donated by many local businesses. Funds and support came from donations and grants from Microwave Device Technology Corporation, M/A-Com Inc., the Westford Education Foundation, WestNet Partnership, Westford Elementary Schools PTO, Westford Conservation Trust, Westford Friends and Newcomers, Westford Cultural Council, Massachusetts Creative Schools Cultural Council, Westford Woman's Club, and anonymous donors. The Stantec engineering firm designed and developed the Living Lab Rain Garden. In addition, the Westford Water Department, Westford Engineering Department and the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project have provided scientists and engineers to instruct students for many years. Today the Living Lab is funded through the Westford Public School System with continued support from our educational partners. We are enormously grateful to retired Day School Principal Kevin Regan for his encouragement of the Living Lab program from the beginning, and for his generosity in dedicating space at the Day School to house the Living Lab. That commitment continues with current principal Chris Sardella.
Carol retired in 2013. Elaine Santelmann, the current K-5 Science and Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator, took the direction of The Living Lab at that time. Lessons were updated to reflect the 2016 Massachusetts Science, Technology, and Engineering standards. The new focus includes additional scientific and engineering practices and content to integrate with classroom topics. Lessons also model new instructional pedagogy for teachers. The Living Lab remains a dynamic part of the science education of every K-5 student in Westford.
The Living Lab was dedicated on January 9, 2004. Through the commitment of townspeople who gave their time, expertise, materials, and funds, Carol's vision became a reality. Reed Brook had to be made accessible without destroying the surrounding environment. Students from Nashoba Regional Technical High School built a catwalk that allows safe access to the brook. Additionally an outdoor classroom including granite benches was installed by Derek Lyman, an Eagle Scout. Lab materials were donated by many local businesses. Funds and support came from donations and grants from Microwave Device Technology Corporation, M/A-Com Inc., the Westford Education Foundation, WestNet Partnership, Westford Elementary Schools PTO, Westford Conservation Trust, Westford Friends and Newcomers, Westford Cultural Council, Massachusetts Creative Schools Cultural Council, Westford Woman's Club, and anonymous donors. The Stantec engineering firm designed and developed the Living Lab Rain Garden. In addition, the Westford Water Department, Westford Engineering Department and the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project have provided scientists and engineers to instruct students for many years. Today the Living Lab is funded through the Westford Public School System with continued support from our educational partners. We are enormously grateful to retired Day School Principal Kevin Regan for his encouragement of the Living Lab program from the beginning, and for his generosity in dedicating space at the Day School to house the Living Lab. That commitment continues with current principal Chris Sardella.
Carol retired in 2013. Elaine Santelmann, the current K-5 Science and Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator, took the direction of The Living Lab at that time. Lessons were updated to reflect the 2016 Massachusetts Science, Technology, and Engineering standards. The new focus includes additional scientific and engineering practices and content to integrate with classroom topics. Lessons also model new instructional pedagogy for teachers. The Living Lab remains a dynamic part of the science education of every K-5 student in Westford.