AIKEN --- North Augusta Middle School pupils experienced technology Wednesday that some say will bridge the gap from classroom work to real-world applications.

This week the school opened a synergistic lab that gives pupils a look at how math and science apply to a job they might pursue in the future.

Seventeen modules offer lessons in microbiology, applied physics environmental studies, alternative energy and other math and science subjects.

The lab is the third of its kind in Aiken County schools. It cost about $146,000 to start the program, and yearly maintenance costs $1,000.

The school district plans to install a synergistic lab at every county middle school in the next couple years with the help of Public Education Partners, a local nonprofit education foundation.

The labs, or modules, look like any computer lab. But experiments on the computer and with accompanying materials give pupils a chance to see where they can apply what they learn in class. The modules are installed in a few weeks, and teachers and a lab monitor get extensive training with programs. Area businesses also sponsor modules related to their fields.

"The children will still be in their regular classes. This is strictly an enhancement to make it more real," said Diane Mangiante, Public Education Partners' executive director.

The labs began at the end of 2006 at Schofield Middle School as an exploratory class.

The two labs at Langley-Bath-Clearwater Middle and North Augusta Middle are additions to regular math and science classes. Teachers will take classes for a week to accompany their lessons.

North Augusta Middle lab proctor Pat Randall said pupils were ecstatic about the modules.

"They are just beside themselves. They're just excited to look at it even though they're not quite sure what it is," Ms. Randall said. "We're going to feel our way through this year, and hopefully we'll be able to get all the kinks out so next year we'll be able to run with it when they walk in."

Since the first lab was started at Schofield, proctor Charles Kneece said, pupils have also learned a lot about discipline and limits in the real world.

"Some students work with superabsorbents, like sodium polyacrylic, which soaks up water, like what's in baby diapers. They've had to learn to use just enough for their experiments, or it doesn't work," Mr. Kneece said.

"We've learned what behavior to allow and that this isn't like a regular classroom," he said. "They have to read and pay attention to pass reviews."

Leavelle McCampbell Middle School in Graniteville will receive the next lab in the fall.