2021-2022

Students learned about what engineers do, and its applications in both natural and urban environments. For the activity, they used spaghetti and marshmallows to compete to build the tallest standing structure possible.

Students learned about forces (like gravity, friction, tension, etc) and how they interact with each other. They got to observe these forces in action via mini demonstrations of each force in breakout rooms. Students also drew the forces they observed in these demonstrations.

Students learned about acids and bases, and used litmus paper to determine the pH of common household objects. Students also considered how pH confers different physical properties to solutions. 

Students learned about what cells are, and how they transport important materials. They modeled osmosis, or water transport, by putting gummy bears into water and observing how the gummy bears changed in size. 

Students learned about food chains, and the different types of producers and consumers in an ecosystem. Then, they modeled food chains in different habitats.

Students learned about the basic structure of the brain, including the lobes and different functions. Students used illusions and selective perception videos to consider how the brain might make mistakes, and how the brain processes information. 

Students spoke to Mt. Sinai neuroscientist Dr. Sarah Stanley about her work as a scientist, and what it’s like to pursue science professionally. Dr. Stanley spoke about her research, and gave a brief lesson on microscopy.