There’s always a lot going on at Liberty Science Center. Whether we’re busting myths in our new in our new MythBusters exhibit exhibit, developing new programs or doing Live Science programs, one thing’s for sure: we’re dedicated to inspiring people on the importance of science.

One method we use is to work with schools on enhancing their science lessons through hands-on workshops. We have numerous workshops here at LSC that can be used to supplement or enhance what students are learning in school.

One of these programs is focused on Environmental Science – it’s a program I took the lead on while working with students from STEM Civics, a school located in Trenton, NJ. The students and their teachers made the trip to LSC from Trenton once a month to experience an informative, interactive, and hands-on lesson about environmental biology and chemistry.

What did the students do?

The students explored live water samples collected from the Hudson River. These water samples would be tested for nutrient levels such as nitrates and phosphates, as well as monitored for any forms of plankton.

The students also tested the water samples to see if the nutrient levels were either too high or too low to support life.

Their response?

The students responded very positively. As one said, “I didn’t know there can be so many animals in so little water.”

Another student was excited to discover a live copepod plankton that was able to be caught on camera. For any SpongeBob fans, this is the species of zooplankton featured on the show.

In a quick 90 minutes, we were finished and the students walked away with a better understanding of environmental science – as well as the environment around them!

STEM blog written by CJ Donaghue. To learn more about the laboratory-based programs we offer at LSC, click here.