Instead of sitting in a lecture hall, a group of UF students enrolled in Environmental Science Lab (EVS 3000L) spent the day surrounded by compost bins, a biodigester, and garden plots at the Experiential Learning Laboratory (ELL). Ann Wilkie, professor in the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) and lab director, hosted the students.
The on-site class gave them a firsthand look at sustainable technologies in action and brought textbook concepts to life. Seeing food scraps turned into compost, rainwater harvesting for organic gardens, and bioenergy generation sparked discussions about real-world environmental solutions.
Hands-On Learning
The goal at the ELL when hosting classes is to create an immersive, interactive learning experience. The ELL features demonstration units such as composters, a biodigester (which converts organic matter into biogas), algal cultivation, vermiculture (composting using worms), rainwater harvesting, and student garden plots. By engaging in hands-on activities and discussions, students gain a deeper understanding of how these components contribute to environmental sustainability.
Students got to see and touch real-life experiments and technology demonstrations and became directly engaged by asking pertinent questions. They boiled water for tea and coffee using biogas from the on-site biodigester. Biogas is a renewable fuel made from the anaerobic microbial degradation of organic material such as food waste, crop residues, and animal waste.
Composting made the biggest impression on the students. Many appreciate its accessibility and real-world application. For Emerald Lupton, the highlight was turning potential waste into energy. “I really enjoyed learning about the biodigester and how to start a compost bin,” she said.
Wilkie taught students the benefit of diverting food waste from landfills. Specifically, it reduces leachate production from the liquids in food waste and lowers methane emissions from landfills.
Kavin Kovachik, another visiting student, said, “Seeing the compost, how it works, and getting some hands-on experience made the learning process much more engaging.”
Melissa Brower added, “I really liked learning about composting. I think that is something the average person can participate in.”
Graduate teaching assistants Ana Yoko Ykeuti Meiga and Isaac Coleman arranged the hands-on tour at the ELL. They wanted students to see the research underway there and the sustainability efforts in practice.
They were excited to give students the opportunity to engage with Dr. Wilkie and see this side of environmental science.
“Hands-on experience is crucial for learning, as it brings concepts to life. Watching the students’ engagement and Dr. Wilkie’s expertise was truly inspiring,” Ana said. “This experience was a significant learning moment for both my students and me.”
“Dr. Wilkie planted several seeds of encouragement in us, motivating us to think deeply about the impact of sustainable energy,” Isaac added.
Student Impact
The EVS 3000L session at the ELL offered an interdisciplinary learning experience for the students. It supported the class objectives by combining theory with practice, showcasing career opportunities, and fostering professional growth. It also left a strong impression on the students who were excited to learn through hands-on experiences.
“Dr. Wilkie is incredibly knowledgeable,” said Eliza Sperry. “Comparing and contrasting the different types of composting helped me understand all of the methods a little bit more.”
The class saw practical applications in the outdoor demonstration areas. Beyond the technical lessons, a lively classroom discussion reinforced the importance of sustainability as a personal and societal responsibility.
Wilkie noted, “There isn’t ‘one solution,’ but there are many different ways we can be more sustainable.”
Future Opportunities
With its many demonstrations, the ELL continues to serve as a valuable educational resource for students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and others throughout UF. The SWES department’s goal is for more classes and research projects to take advantage of the opportunities available, including research plots, demonstration areas, and interactive spaces for class and lab activities.
Wilkie emphasized the importance of hands-on learning experience in preparing students for a more sustainable future. “These facilities give students an opportunity to experience sustainability in action,” she said. “There’s so much we can do to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences. The more we challenge students to address real-world issues and explore potential solutions, the better prepared they will be to create a more sustainable future.”
In addition to hosting classes, ELL provides opportunities for mentoring undergraduate students to conduct research through undergraduate research credits, the University Scholars Program, and the Emerging Scholars Program. Students can explore topics such as the science of composting, carbon cycling and sequestration, soil health, and water saving technologies.
For faculty interested in bringing their classes to the Experiential Learning Laboratory or for students looking to get involved in undergraduate research, you can explore the possibilities on the Experiential Learning Laboratory website.
Featured image is a UF/IFAS photo.
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