Choose the option that's right for your group:
Facility Tours
Schedule a 45-minute tour of our laboratory and see the work we do related to chemical, microbiological testing and metrological measurements. Limited to groups of 20 or fewer.
Specialized Tours with an Authentic Hands-On Learning Experience
Schedule a 2 hour visit in one of our three laboratories, tour the lab then take part in a hands-on lab testing experience related to Chemistry, Microbiology or Metrology. Discuss scientific career options and educational requirement needed. Limited to groups of 10 or fewer.
Classroom or Virtual “Ask A Scientist” or “Science Career Discussions”
Listen to our scientists talk about the work they do, the connection to agriculture, and what inspired them to become a scientist. Hold a discussion about science careers and what scientists do on a daily basis, available career options, and the educational requirements needed. Available in person or virtual, limited to 1 hour.
NEW! SPARK Curriculum
The Science Participation in Agriculture Reaching K-12 (SPARK) outreach curriculum includes agriculture-related science lessons designed to be completed in the classroom, sharing the knowledge that teachers and students receive during an in person visit to the labs. Materials are designed for educators looking to engage students in science concepts that relate to Colorado agriculture. Click here for more information.
Free educational opportunities!
All tours can be customized to fit your students' needs.
The CDA laboratory welcomes school classes and clubs, scouting groups, and other educational organizations to learn about the science we perform and the connection to agriculture.
To schedule, teachers, advisors, and group leaders should fill out this interest form.
NEW! SPARK Curriculum
Science Participation in Agriculture Reaching K-12 (SPARK) Google classroom curriculum. Learn more.
Our program models the following standards, science and engineering practices, and cross cutting concepts:
High School & Middle School Standards:
Our hands-on laboratory activities will meet multiple Colorado State High School and Middle School Physical and Life Science Standards.
Science/Engineering Practices:
- Asking questions and defining problems
- Planning and carrying out investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Using mathematics and computational thinking
Cross Cutting:
- Patterns
- Cause and effect
- Scale, proportion, and quantity
- Energy and matter
- Structure and function
- Stability and change
Learn more about the CDA Laboratories
BioChem Laboratory
The BioChem (analytical) Laboratory utilizes a large array of analytical instrumentation to measure quantities of pesticide residues, food impurities, pathogens and feed and fertilizer nutritional components. Employing microbiological and analytical chemistry testing, the laboratory analyzes various agricultural samples in addition to ground and surface waters to support a number of Department regulatory programs.
Learn more about the BioChem Lab.
Metrology Laboratory
Any commercial transaction based on weight or volume is based on the buyer's and seller's confidence in the accuracy of the measuring device. The Metrology Lab certifies reference weights and volume measures used in field calibrations of such measuring devices. These weights and measures are certified in the laboratory by physical comparisons tracing back to the international standards through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Learn more about the Metrology Lab.
Animal Health Laboratory
The Animal Health Laboratory facilitates the movement of healthy livestock by aiding veterinarians in meeting USDA and CDA livestock disease regulations. The lab offers a variety of serological and molecular testing for entry into shows, change of ownership, and interstate movement of livestock.
Learn more about the Animal Health Lab.
Ready to schedule your tour?
To schedule a visit for your group of learners, fill out the Interest Form.
With additional questions, contact Caroline Baty-Barr, Colorado Department of Agriculture, Division of Laboratory Services at caroline.baty-barr@state.co.us or 303-869-9222.