4‑H and Bayer

Science has inspired me to help others through citizen science. I am a volunteer monitor for cyanobacteria in Lake Champlain. Every week from June to October, I visit three public sites along the lakeshore and measure the presence of cyanobacteria in the water. That data is reported into the Cyanobacteria Tracker, which is published by the department of health, and is available for the public to check lake conditions.

Why do I do this? Cyanobacteria is an organism that has the potential to produce a toxin in the water which can be harmful to humans and pets who recreate in that water. Members of the public are encouraged to check the tracker before using the lake. If the tracker indicates a high level of cyanobacteria (a bloom), it may be dangerous to them. By monitoring the lake, I am helping to serve my community and to help them experience healthy, better living.

Scientists actually don’t know everything about cyanobacteria, and many are currently engaged in research about it. My monitoring experiences inspired me to learn more about this organism and to perform my own research project; I want to learn about which pollutants grow cyanobacteria the best, so I designed an experiment to find out why it grows and what kinds of nonpoint source pollutants affect its growth. I want the results to help people who live by the lake think before they use fertilizers or other chemicals in their lawns or fields, and to realize that they may be part of the reason why cyanobacteria is becoming more of a problem in our lake. I am still working on my research, and when it is done the results will be shared with several organizations that work to keep the lake clean. Science has inspired me to help with the cause to keep our lake clean. Science has inspired me to think beyond the limits I set for myself, and to accomplish big things! I hope to move toward a science career as well as to continue my research to help the lake and my community!

“Science” is a word often found throughout our daily lives – whether in the media, a high school class, or simply a word thrown around without understanding. When defined, science refers to the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment (Google Dictionary).

In simplified terms, science describes how we go about exploring the world through our own senses using visual examples and scientific tests as a guide. Science has allowed me to see the little things in life, to notice the fine-point details that enhance the world as I see it. It has inspired me to look beyond the textbook and explore the earth that we humans call home. It has also inspired me to keep learning.

As I get older, the more curious and knowledgeable I become. Like these leaves in the picture, for example. I have learned all about photosynthesis- how light is absorbed by a photosystem on the thylakoid membrane, in order to produce glucose through a series of processes that follow. I am then able to apply this to the outdoor world, looking at leaves and trying to imagine the processes occurring at the exact moment I look at them. I imagine the stored ATP converted into ADP as it releases energy in the Calvin Cycle while the hydrogen is broken down into oxygen gas and an H+ ion in a light dependent reaction, all occurring in a split second before my eyes. Science is truly amazing. Science has inspired me to curiously inspect the bug on the log or the fallen birch leaf on the ground. It has allowed me to look at things from a new perspective, to see the full beauty around me. Most times the things we need most in life have been with us all along, just hidden from our sight. Science inspires me to dig deeper and develop a greater understanding of our natural world as my knowledge therein expands.

Science has inspired me to be a visible leader for other girls. In a lot of spaces I am the only girl, and usually the only Black person in my technology spaces. I feel like this lack of visibility whether in robotics, coding or general sciences can leave the impression on other girls of color, that science isn’t for them. I have begun to lead more outreach in diverse spaces to increase the idea that Black girls can also lead and achieve in sciences.

Recently, I led a two day- Code Your World workshop for my 4‑H club. It turned out well and I am grateful 4‑H created such an easy curriculum for me to implement. This summer, I volunteered with my robotics team (Blue Cheese) at a summer camp for predominantly kids who were English Second Language Learners. This was challenging, but science has a way of translating across languages. The kids learned how to create circuits and we were able to bring our larger robotics.

My other recent experience was taking the lead on planning science activities for a local group called Girls For A Change. This non-profit seeks to expose girls of color to STEM. I had a lot of fun and believe my presence there leading and introducing robotics may have inspired or at least planted the seed into a young girls mind, that she too can be a leader in science. I hope to continue to learn and sharing my knowledge with anyone who wants to do it.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, teens created a safer heating system for farmers and young animals. This system reads the ground temperature and turns on and off a heat lamp reducing time spent checking the temperature of traditional heat lamps while reducing fire hazard risk.

“We had persistence about what we were working on. The lamp would fall apart and we had to work together, making sure we were all aware of what each was contributing and keeping the flow going when something went wrong.”

Kansas

Kansas teens surveyed citizens to gauge their knowledge of animal diseases that can infect humans. Based on their findings and research discovering the lack of existing educational materials, they launched a campaign to raise public awareness about zoonotic diseases. Their efforts focused on working with Bayer employees and local vets to produce and distribute educational flyers.

“It’s rare for a group such as ours to have an opportunity like this…being able to bridge the gap between problems in the past and problems our area is currently facing.”

California

After realizing how much food is wasted in schools and restaurants, California Science Matters teens created a map of composting sites and food banks in their community and learned to distinguish types of waste. They conducted a waste audit at their school which resulted in additional and correctly labeled recycling bins. In touring their local Bayer facility, teens discovered how food waste can be minimized in commercial kitchens.

“We gained valuable insight from Bayer employees as we were able to collaborate with them on our issues and able to visit different places that ultimately bolstered my learning of issues affecting science and agriculture.”

Kansas

In Kansas, Science Matters teens realized the importance of proper water management and conservation in their suburban setting. To address the issue, the teens created & delivered hands-on learning kits and lesson plans for teachers to use in educating students about the role they play in conserving water.

“I loved getting the chance to teach others and actually impact my community.”

Pennsylvania

A team of teens in Pennsylvania explored the impact of manure and manure management on small farm (horse) operators and the impact of this management plan on the environment. The data they collected on erosion and fertilizer loads on soil helped the youth understand cause and effect and respond in a positive manner that creates change. The youth learned how agriculture has an impact on their community and people’s lives. They are working to create awareness for manure management plans to reduce the impact of manure on the environment through run-off. One team member commented, “Through the Science Matters program I gained confidence in public speaking and in interacting with people of various backgrounds. I became more familiar with the scientific method; designing an experiment and following it through.”

Kansas

Teens in Johnson County, Kansas, saw a big issue with the large amount of food waste in their community. In just their county alone, they found that an estimated 162 million pounds of food is wasted annually. The team wanted to create a policy to encourage school districts, businesses and homeowners to reduce food waste. They began with a local school and reached out to all 8^th graders to push for food waste prevention measures within their school district. After looking into additional ways they could help influence policy change on this issue, they worked with their Board of County Commissioners to proclaim May 23 as Johnson County Food Waste Prevention Day to help bring additional awareness to this important issue.

Missouri

Gardening takes hard work, but when the Missouri Science Matters teens revived a community urban garden for a domestic abuse shelter, they didn’t stop at weeding and planting. They encouraged the neighborhood to support the garden for improved community health, even leading kids’ crafts that demonstrated how a community is stronger when they work together.

“(Science Matters) has allowed me to be more involved…to become more myself and relate to more people. I’m more open and comfortable in a group setting. I learned how to better work within a time and improve my communication and social skills.” 

California

One would think an urban area would not suffer from food insecurity or be considered a food desert. Yet, California Science Matters teens discovered this was the case and acted. The teens applied the data they collected from their neighborhood grocery stores and markets to create an online food desert map. They use the map in educating residents about healthy food locations.

“I will apply my experiences into advocating for a change in the city’s system to implement more affordable grocery stores. I will continue to carry this information with me and hopefully join groups who have the same goals in eliminating food insecurity.”