Third, and Largest, Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST to Include Bug Collection, Hands-On Water Testing and Lessons in Geology
Sixty-four local middle school students embarked upon the third Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST, boarding Mid Lakes Navigation’s Emita II to cruise Onondaga Lake and set sail as future scientists. This is the largest summer science week to date with Tully Central Schools joining three-year veterans Syracuse City, West Genesee and Solvay Central Schools in the week-long scientific adventure. This year’s program will include a special focus on the geology and ecology of the lake and its watershed.
 Sixty-four students from four area middle schools participate in the largest Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST. |
 Students get their feet wet on the very first day with a trip to Heiberg Memorial Forest to explore the area’s geology, surface hydrology, water chemistry and plant ecology. |
Throughout the week, students will navigate the Onondaga Lake watershed exploring geologic formations, local water quality, the effect of urban and rural development on Onondaga Creek and the history of Syracuse as the Salt City. They will learn how to use scientific instruments such as a water chemistry multiprobe and a hand-held weather station. Students will also, for the first time, receive a bug net and collection jar to examine different insect types as they travel through the watershed.
 Eager to start the week, students board the Emita II to take an Onondaga Lake boat tour. |
 Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe welcomes the students and describes the activities they will experience throughout their week of exploration. |
The week also includes an Onondaga Creek walk, a geologic exploration of Clark Reservation and tours of the Honeywell Groundwater Treatment Facility and the Center for Environmental Systems Engineering.
The students began the first day by meeting Syracuse City Councilman Van Robinson, who presented a proclamation on behalf of the City of Syracuse and Mayor Matt Driscoll. For the second year in a row, the City of Syracuse declared the third week of July the “Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST.” Students were also treated to a lecture by Syracuse University Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Charlie Driscoll, famous for the discovery of the concept of acid rain.
On behalf of Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll, Syracuse City Councilman Van Robinson reads a proclamation from the city declaring July 14-July 18 “Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST.”
The students enjoyed lunch at the Onondaga Lake Park before visiting the Heiberg Memorial Forest to explore six learning stations on topics including geology, surface hydrology, water chemistry, and plant ecology. Student teams also learned how to use the GPS units they will use throughout the week.
“Honeywell is proud to partner with the MOST and see the number of participants triple from its inaugural year,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe. “The enthusiasm we see here today is a clear reminder how first-hand scientific experience is not only educational, but fun. We will continue to bring Honeywell Hometown Solutions’ programs that engage students in innovative learning and life-changing experiences to Central New York.”
 MOST President Larry Leatherman welcomes the students. |
 Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe describes Honeywell’s partnership with the MOST. |
Mr. McAuliffe’s comments were echoed by MOST President Larry Leatherman.
“These middle school students represent the future of our community and our partnership with Honeywell ensures the future is bright,” said Mr. Leatherman. “The continued success of the Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST proves that students are willing and eager to be engaged in science.”
“Throughout the week the students will learn about the unique geology of the area,” said MOST Exhibits Project Manager Dr. Peter Plumley, who is coordinating the project. “This year we will be taking a trip to Clark Reservation to explore this wonderful resource and its glacial features. Here, each student will experience the joys of hands-on scientific exploration.”
 The hunt is on. The summer scientists will capture bugs and contrast insect life at different locations in the Onondaga Lake watershed. |
 Bug nets and bug jars are both fun and educational. Students inspect their newly caught specimens. |
 Students examine the unique biodiversity of the Heiberg Memorial Forest as they learn about plant ecology. |
 MOST Exhibits Project Manager Dr. Peter Plumley makes the geological history come alive with a short lesson on rock formations. |
The week’s activities are done in partnership with teachers from middle schools in the participating school districts, as well as faculty and graduate students from Cornell University, Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF.
For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, visit www.onondaga-lake-initiatives.com.
