Students at St. Michael’s School in Weyburn have a one of a kind facility for students in Weyburn.

The school is home to the Prairie Sky Co-op Deeper Learning Lab, which has a number of hi-tech facilities for the students to use to enhance their learning experience.

Dean Loberg is the principal of the school He explained the lab came about thanks to funding from a number of sources, including Prairie Sky Co-op.

“They’re providing us with $5,000 a year for the next five years to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the deeper learning lab,” Loberg said. “Obviously Holy Family School Division, as well as a grant from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan allowed us to set up the lab.”

The highlight of the lab for the students so far has been the 3D printer. Students have been allowed to use models downloaded from the internet to try the printer out, before moving on to using models designed on their own using the software available.

Another highlight of the lab is the laser cutter. Loberg said it can be used for everything, from engraving on various surfaces like plastic, metal, and glass to cutting the materials for other uses.

“They can actually make 3D models that they put together from cut pieces,” Loberg said.

He compared the models to the balsa planes many had as children, which would have to be assembled from light wood materials.

Loberg added the school would like to have a Maker Saturday for the general public for a weekly fee, but the concept is still being worked out. He said it would be dependent on how they can put it together, and whether or not there is interest from the public for the idea.