Onondaga County Legislator Judith A. Tassone Kicks Off Opening Day of Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST
Eighty-one middle school students from 12 Central New York school districts are participating in Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST, a week-long exploration of the Onondaga Lake watershed that engages students in unique hands-on learning, including studying local birds in their habitats, bug collecting, water testing, GPS sampling procedures, and geology. This is the sixth Summer Science Week and the largest class to date.
Onondaga County Legislator Judith A. Tassone, Honeywell, and the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) joined the middle school students aboard the Emita II tour boat on Onondaga Lake to launch Summer Science Week. In addition, the Montezuma Audubon Center led a birding expedition to teach students about the importance of birds and their habitats to the Onondaga Lake watershed.
“As you embark on this incredible week-long opportunity at Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST, always remember that you represent the future scientists and engineers of our world,” said Onondaga County Legislator Judith Tassone. “The hands-on lessons that you will learn this week are important in preparing you to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. It is vital that you use these lessons to help us solve environmental issues in the future and make our community a better and healthier place to live.”
Created by the MOST, Honeywell Summer Science Week provides unique learning opportunities to help excite and inspire a new generation of scientists in Central New York. Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST is sponsored by Honeywell Hometown Solutions, Honeywell’s corporate citizenship initiative. It is part of Honeywell’s overall initiative to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and educate youth about habitat and conservation. Honeywell Hometown Solutions focuses on key areas of vital importance: Science & Math Education; Family Safety & Security; Housing & Shelter; and Habitat & Conservation.
“Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST offers an advanced curriculum to engage students beyond the norm,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe. “Our partnership with the MOST provides Onondaga County students with real-world experiences and creates excitement about career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math. As a leading technology company, Honeywell remains committed to enhancing STEM education for students and teachers.”
This week’s activities will span from the Tully Valley to Onondaga Lake where students will learn from scientists, engineers, and professors about the Onondaga Lake watershed and environmental sciences.
MOST Exhibits Project Manager Dr. Peter Plumley said, “The Central New York region is a mecca for hands-on environmental experiences for students. Through theHoneywell Summer Science Week at the MOST, students explore and sample a variety of natural, rural and urban environments in their own backyards. The program continues to encourage interest in the environment, and will help prepare these young scientists to become tomorrow’s leaders.”
Throughout the week, students will participate in a combination of activities at the MOST and various field locations, while learning an interdisciplinary approach to investigation, discovery, and resolution of environmental issues facing Onondaga County. Field activities include collecting water samples throughout the Tully Valley and the Onondaga Lake watershed, touring Onondaga Lake, and exploring Clark Reservation.
“The MOST is confident that its youth programs, like the Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST, are paving the way for our students to be expert resources in the future,” said President of the MOST Larry Leatherman. “We continue to seek partnerships that will provide hands-on education that stimulates interest in science and technology.”
The MOST will host Honeywell Discovery Day on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. The day will begin at the museum and include a discussion of data analysis. The students will later enjoy an IMAX film and tour the MOST exhibits. In the afternoon, students will make presentations to parents and teachers about what they have learned during the week. The students will also be given certificates of participation and awards for notable accomplishments.
Local organizations participating as workshop presenters include the Montezuma Audubon Center, the U.S. Geological Survey, SUNY-ESF, and the Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection.
Academic partners include teachers from middle schools in the participating school districts, as well as faculty and graduate students from Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF.
For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, please visit www.onondaga-lake-initiatives.com.