The LI-6400XT for Undergraduate Teaching and Research

The college classroom and field laboratory provide the bridge for today's students to become tomorrow's researchers. The rapidly accelerating study of the environment offers a new generation of scientists unprecedented challenges and opportunities. In order to be properly trained, students need to gain experience in theory, practical application, and instrumentation.

LI-COR Environmental Education Fund (LEEF)

About LEEF LI-COR Biosciences is offering $500,000 in funding for colleges and universities through its LEEF program. The LEEF program is part of LI-COR's ongoing commitment to help colleges enhance their undergraduate science programs that emphasize inquiry-based learning. Although the application process for 2007 is currently closed, information about the program and how to prepare an application is available. What Grant Recipients are Saying
More about LEEF	Interview with Dr. Andreas Madlung
Inquiry-based Learning in Undergraduate Education Webinar

For over 35 years LI-COR instruments have been recognized world-wide for standard setting innovation in plant and environmental sciences. Our products pioneered light measurement, leaf area, CO2 and H2O gas analysis, and photosynthesis and fluorescence measurements. For example, the LI-6400/6400XT Portable Photosynthesis and Fluorescence System is recognized worldwide as the best system in its class and is sure to benefit faculty, students and the universities. The wide variety of accessories available for the system make it easy to use for a variety of applications.

Benefits for Faculty

• Faculty can better meet increasing tenure and research requirements by combining teaching with research.
• Faculty can integrate ongoing research studies with teaching.
• Research in the classroom and in the field enhances student/faculty interaction.
• LI-COR has made it easy to use the LI-6400XT for teaching with the use of exclusive software.
• Plant photosynthesis and fluorescence can be best explained using the automation of the LI-6400XT.

The LI-6400 software allows for computer control of the instrument, and viewing of step-by-step procedures and real-time numeric and graphic data via a projector.

Benefits for Students

• The LI-6400XT provides the student with the understanding of how photosynthesis, fluorescence and respiration studies are done using the most advanced instrumentation available.
• Students will be able to perform their research projects accurately and much faster.
• Hands-on research enables students to acquire skills of critical thinking, problem identification, and time management.
• When students learn how to operate scientific equipment and follow a project from start to finish, they develop the ability to think quickly and solve difficult problems.
• By analyzing results, organizing ideas, and sharing work, students experience the inclusive part of science rather than just the textbook method.
• Students who possess research skills will be well suited for applied research positions as well as non-research jobs.
• Students are better prepared for graduate studies.

Benefits for Universities

• Scientific research in the classroom allows for university recognition as being one of the best in student training and will enhance recruitment.
• Recognition of high quality education using the best means available.
• Better preparation of undergraduate students to enter graduate level studies.
• Graduate students have superior knowledge of the subject due to their undergraduate experience.
• Enhanced student/faculty interaction.