In collaboration with Liberty Science Center and the Urban Teacher Education Program (UTEP) at Rutgers University-Newark, Lincoln High School coordinated a field trip to LSC for a group of 30 United States History II students. Organized by Jeananick Exi, a current UTEP clinical intern, Frank Romano, her cooperating teacher at Lincoln High School, and Lesley Hayes, from LSC, the students visited the Science Center to learn about local environmental issues and discuss environmental policy decision making.

For the first part of the trip, students observed animal habitats in Eat and Be Eaten, explored local ecosystems in Our Hudson Home, and learned about the environmental impact of commercial development in Skyscraper. While visiting each of these exhibits, students collected observational data to be used for the trip’s culminating activity.

After touring LSC, the students came together for a short history lesson on the environmental movement of the 1970’s and the origins of the Environmental Protection Agency. The students were then asked to complete an interdisciplinary activity where they used their data from the exhibits and their knowledge of the EPA and environmental policy to weigh the risks and benefits of potential commercial development of a portion of Liberty State Park.

The students were also able to enjoy some free time in the exhibits. They eagerly participated in some of the exciting activities that LSC has to offer, including walking on beams 18 feet above the ground in Skyscraper.

During their field trip, the students from Lincoln High School had the opportunity to enhance their study of history by exploring topics in science. We hope that they visit us again soon!