2015 Program Participants Become Field Scientists Working with Habitat Experts, University Professors and Scientists
Eighty middle school students from 10 Central New York school districts completed Honeywell Summer Science Week this month. Now celebrating its 10th year, Honeywell Summer Science Week, which is organized by the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST), has brought science to life in memorable ways by leading more than 600 students through hands-on science exploration in the Onondaga Lake watershed.
Honeywell Summer Science Week helps motivate students by improving their science aptitude and confidence and encourages them to work toward careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). During the week, young women who attended Honeywell Summer Science Week in previous years, and are now planning to pursue science in college or as a career, joined the group to share their stories and offer advice.
A recent survey of former Honeywell Summer Science Week participants shows that students who participate in the program gain more knowledge and confidence about science and are more interested in pursuing a STEM career.
“Honeywell Summer Science Weekprovides our students field experience through hands-on investigations,” said MOST Exhibits Project Manager Peter Plumley, Ph.D. “The program introduces them to scientific methodology and observation of the natural world. The experience gives them confidence to pursue STEM topics and independent research projects. Many go on to successfully compete in the Central New York Science & Engineering Fair, earning merit scholarships to the colleges of their choice.”
“Honeywell Summer Science Week has had real outcomes by inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers through a week of scientific investigation and experiments,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe. “A recent survey shows that almost all respondents said they felt more knowledgeable about science. In addition, the vast majority reported feeling more confident about science, and nearly two-thirds said they were more interested in pursuing a science career.”
Honeywell Discovery Day
The students reunited one last time at the MOST on July 15 during Honeywell Discovery Day. They presented their research and heard from special guest Donald A. Thomas, Ph.D., a former NASA astronaut. Thomas spoke about his experiences in space and the importance of pursuing STEM. Students also watched a video from Congressman John M. Katko.
Local organizations and individuals that participated during the week include: Onondaga Audubon Society, U.S. Geological Survey, Anchor QEA, O’Brien & Gere, Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection, and faculty and graduate students from Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF. This unique aspect of the program exposes students, who are about to enter high school, to real scientists and university professors preparing them for future studies and possible STEM careers.
Honeywell Summer Science Week is sponsored by Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate citizenship initiative, which focuses on five areas of vital importance: Science & Math Education, Family Safety & Security, Housing & Shelter, Habitat & Conservation, and Humanitarian Relief. Together with leading public and non-profit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. For more information, please visit http://citizenship.honeywell.com/hometown-solutions.
For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, please visit www.lakecleanup.com.