NEWS

Gloria J. Parks Community Center Summer Programs and Camps (pdf)

SCIENCE FIRSTHAND NEWSLETTER Spring/Summer 2010

For a printable version (pdf), click here.

Recent Events
SF Program Managers, Derek Addy and Chris Scibilia, took part in a two-day citizen science initiative called Tracking Climate in your Backyard, created by the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI). The project encourages youth, specifically those aged 8-12, to collect and analyze local meteorological data in order to learn firsthand about the processes of science. Derek attests, “I have done some of the activities with my students, after tweaking them for inquiry, and they work great.” Derek and Chris will be adjusting the curriculum to involve more inquiry activities and provide a workshop for the SF Program Managers and staff this summer.

Science Firsthand also participated in Global Youth Day on April 23rd and 24th. Youth volunteered with a number of sites, including Seneca Street United Methodist Church and the Belle Center. Science Firsthand had several tables of hands-on activities for youth to investigate at each site. The youth who participated in the event were intimately involved in community service projects, which included community beautification, weeding raised beds, and street clean up. Well done to all who participated!

Animal Dissection Program
The Animal Dissection Program at Medaille College had its last session for the year on May 7th, 2010 at the Buffalo Zoo. Six students and two mentors enjoyed participating in an Animal Behavior program in which they studied the behavior of two ferrets and four gorillas to identify the different ways animals communicate.
After the program, the group received a tour of the zoo, where they explored the exhibits and were able to ask questions of their zoo guide: “Where do the animals sleep at night?” “Is there a zoo-keeper working at night in case something happens?” “Why is there a moat separating us from the lions?” “Have the roaming peacocks ever gotten out of the zoo?” and many more!
All together, mentors from Medaille’s Life Science Club volunteered 86 hours to the Animal Dissection Program. Thanks to their dedication, along with strong support from Brenda Fredette and Medaille College, this program has been a wonderful success for Science Firsthand.

Exploring Astronomy
In late January the Valley began hosting an Astronomy Club. Every Friday a small group of youth carries out experiments and projects based on the stars. Some of these projects have included writing stories about the constellations, building kaleidoscopes to better understand the visual spectrum, studying impact craters in varying terrain using rocks and ice balls, designing alien life forms based on various planetary conditions, and observing the Sun, Moon, and other stars through the Valley’s new telescope - purchased with the Cummings Grant.

Gardening Initiatives
Several of our community-based organizations have asked Science Firsthand to help get their youth involved in gardening projects. Gloria Parks, for instance, has rooftop space that is ideal for cultivating flowers, vegetables and herbs. Our SF Program Manager Derek Addy has been working with Marilyn Sozanski, the Youth Director at Gloria Parks, to set up a weekend project to prepare the space for the rooftop garden so that youth can start gardening in the near future.
Matt Urban Community Center is looking to partner with Lab for Urban Regeneration outdoor Education (LURE) and Curtiss Urban Farm Foundation (CUFF) to help get youth in their summer program tending the community gardens on nearby vacant lots. Several lots already have blueberry bushes planted and the youth could help harvest the fruit, as well as tackle weeding and pruning.
The Belle Center is developing vegetable gardens as well. Chrissy Calixte is partnering with several staff members to ensure the gardens are constructed and planted by early summer. She has begun to grow vegetable seedlings indoors with the help of her students who participate in Science Firsthand.

Summer Vacation and Programming
Science Firsthand will be participating in three different summer programs for 2010.
1. Gloria J. Parks is piloting a Summer Sports and Science Camp. Science Firsthand is going to run morning and afternoon sessions Monday through Friday at the Center. The staff/volunteers working with Science Firsthand will be required to complete a two-week training prior to the camp. Staff will be well versed in several areas of science and in the use of inquiry.
2. CSI: Community Science Investigations is a pilot program that will take youth to college campuses and parks throughout the city of Buffalo. Teams will be investigating the flora and fauna of each area and research findings in a college laboratory. Staff who participate in the program will receive two weeks’ training prior to the program’s kick-off.
3. Traditional Summer Programs at Community Centers: Several of our community-based organizations will be providing daylong programming, Monday through Friday, for youth. Science Firsthand Program Managers will be running sessions at a higher frequency during the summer. Please visit our website to see a list of centers, their program schedules, and associated fees.

Young Investigators Conference 2010
This year, Science Firsthand has teamed with 4-H to host hands-on activities at the Erie County Fair! Inquiry activities will take place every day from August 12 to August 21 in the Youth Development Building. SF Program Managers will assist SF youth in facilitating the activities for all Fair-goers who want to experience science “firsthand.” To learn more about the themes for the fair please visit the Science Firsthand Collaborative website: www.firsthandlearning.org/SFCB.
Youth also have an opportunity to submit a poster to the Erie County Youth Development Department to be judged and displayed at the fair. The youth in Science Firsthand have until July 12th to submit a poster. Posters may be entered in a variety of categories and age ranges. Judging results will be available on August 7th.