Rewind

This year was an adventure for the Scientist 4 Life class of 2016-2017. We have been through some joyful times as well as some stressful moments, but all for the glory of learning science that is in our everyday lives.

We have had the privilege to have amazing guest speakers come in as well as a trip to the zoo. While learning the topic of disasters, a person representing Red Cross came to discuss the work the organization is involved in and how they help out people when a disaster strikes. Even mini first-aid pouches were given to us (which has proved to be very useful). In addition to this, two women who work in the FBI discussed with us about their jobs and the different crime scenes or moments they experienced, such as heading up to Boston during the Boston Marathon incident. As a class, we were very excited and thrilled to see materials used in forensic science, as well as getting to make out own crime scene as a project. We even had the chance to visit UB's Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory. Although we couldn't experience what an earthquake is like first-hand, all the advanced technology and enormous sizes of machines and equipment was definitely enough to impress us.

A memorable moment from this class occurred when we went to the zoo. It was a chilly day and we were dropped off way far back from the actual entrance of zoo. We learned a few facts of extinct animals and some that inhabit here at the zoo itself. During the lecture, we had the chance to figure out the bones/fur/feature that belongs to which animal. Soon after, we explored the zoo for a bit before heading back to SEM. Having the chance to visit the zoo is always a nostalgic and fun time.

We did countless other activities throughout the year in which all had an impact on our knowledge of science. The blog posts that went up from our class hope to demonstrate how much science really is involved in our lives and the lack of knowledge the public has. From learning about the work that Margaret Hamilton has done to a new generation of female scientists in television shows, we hope that people take at least a bit of information away.

Now this does not mean the end of blog posts; it is only a temporary summer break. Next year will bring in more bright and informative topics to light just as we have done this year.

Below is a picture of our class at the UB earthquake simulator lab.