About CBM Science Summer School

DNA Necklace

Using Microscopes

Micropropagation:
Venus Fly Trap Plants

Micropropagation:
Miniature Roses

Cow Eye Anatomy

Pig Anatomy

Fruit Fly Study

Owl Pellet Study

Art Display

News Article

Times Union
August 1, 2007

Lake becomes a classroom
RPI works to boost high school students' interest in scientific subjects

By Kenneth C. Crowe II, Staff writer
First published: Wednesday, August 1, 2007

BOLTON LANDING -- Shakira Canty and Mylasia Frazier leaned over the side of the bobbing pontoon boat counting the meters of line they were letting out into Lake George.

At the end of the line was a secchi disc, a white device used to determine the clarity of the water. Attached to the disc was a tube the two friends used to collect water samples.

"Now go back to 8 meters," said Canty, 16, a Troy High School student.

"This is fun," said Frazier, 15, a student at Lansingburgh High School.

Canty and Frazier poured their water sample into a tube. Inside, they could see plankton and other tiny creatures swimming.

"I didn't think they were going to be in there swimming," Canty said.

Canty and Frazier are two of 13 secondary school students participating in the Science Technology Entry Program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which helps disadvantaged students learn about science. Seeing the organisms up close on their first trip to Lake George was part of the adventure Canty, Frazier and the other students recently experienced through the program. Students from Troy High School, Lansingburgh High School, Catholic Central High School and Albany Academy participated.

The students spent last week living in the RPI dorms. Their trip to RPI's Darrin Freshwater Institute was part of an effort to encourage them to pursue careers in science.

They learned about taking water samples, working in the water chemistry lab and identifying plankton.

"This is probably the first time in the Adirondack Park for most of the students," said Sandra Nierzwicki-Bauer, director of the Darrin Freshwater Institute.

RPI alum Julia Reodica of the Center for BioMedia said the students were excited.

"This is a first-time experience for them. They've expanded their scientific vocabularies," Reodica said.

"They're really excited to be here to experience using what they've learned," Reodica said.

Davin Herring, 15, a student at Lansingburgh High School, said he enjoyed his first trip to Lake George in the Adirondacks.

"It's a great experience. I learned a lot," Herring said. "I like science a lot."

Kenneth C. Crowe II can be reached at 454-5084 or by e-mail at kcrowe@timesunion.com.