Fifty-five Middle School Students Participate in Week of Scientific Exploration During Fifth Annual Summer Science Week
Fifty-five middle school students from 12 Central New York school districts joined Congressman Dan Maffei and representatives from Honeywell and the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) to kick off the 2010 Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST on Monday, July 12. The students are studying and exploring the Onondaga Lake watershed and engaging in unique hands-on learning, including studying local birds in their habitats, bug collecting, water testing, geology and environmental sampling procedures.
Created by the MOST, Honeywell Summer Science Week is made possible by a generous grant from Honeywell Hometown Solutions. The program is taking place from July 12 through July 16.
“Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST is a great program to help students learn how science and engineering affect the world,” Congressman Maffei said. “We need to train more scientists and engineers to help us solve environmental issues and make our community a healthier place to live. These students are the future of our community. Should they pursue a science education and career, the government has funding for those who choose to study science, technology, engineering and math education programs.”
“Honeywell is proud to continue our partnership with the MOST so that together we can move beyond the standard environmental science curriculum and engage students in their local environment,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe. “As one of the world’s leading technology companies, Honeywell is committed to improving science and math education for students and teachers. Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST motivates students to pursue careers in science and technology through programs with real-world experiences that bring science to life.”
MOST Exhibits Project Manager Dr. Peter Plumley said, “Young people’s interest in the environment and science continues to grow. This program provides students with a hands-on and unique experience. The young scientists will explore the clean headwaters of Onondaga Creek in Tully Valley, and then witness and sample the various inputs from natural, rural and urban environments. The program involves them in the natural and environmental processes taking place in their own backyards. It brings science home.”
Students are participating in a combination of activities at the MOST and various field locations, while applying an interdisciplinary approach for 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 conducting experiments at the Shrub Willow Farm in Camillus. Local organizations participating as workshop presenters include the Montezuma Audubon Center, the U.S. Geological Survey, the State University of New York School of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), and Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection.
“In the future, these students will manage community assets and environmental resources, and it is essential to provide them hands-on education in science and technology,” said MOST President Larry Leatherman. “The MOST is dedicated to providing these opportunities for Central New York middle school students and we are fortunate to partner with Honeywell for the fifth year. The program has been successful because it gets young people excited and passionate about science and their environments.”
The MOST will host Honeywell Discovery Day on Wednesday, July 21, 2010. Students will begin the day with a boat cruise on Onondaga Lake. During the afternoon, students will make presentations to parents and teachers about their findings from their week of exploration. The students will also be given certificates of participation and awards for notable accomplishments.
Academic partners include middle school teachers from the participating school districts, Montezuma Audubon Center, as well as faculty and graduate students from Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF.
For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, visit www.onondaga-lake-initiatives.com.