Science solving: D-NH students to showcase unique projects at Science Social

DIKE – Over the last trimester, a group of Dike-New Hartford students have been hard at work on a unique project that aims to solve a variety of world issues through science; and next Tuesday, they will showcase their work to the public at a Science Social.
D-NH High School Science Teacher Chelsie Slaba tasked the freshmen in her Physical Science classes with picking a world issue of their choice, and proposing a solution.
“Students have been working all trimester on things we could change or enhance in the world through the use of science,” Slaba said. “Some of the issues students chose to solve were things like deforestation, food waste, oil spills, even fire-proofing your home, and things like that.”
Students then conducted research and wrote a paper over their topic and solution, but also took it one step further by designing and conducting lab experiments, and creating models and computer simulations to help support their case.
“One example is a group that decided to do their project on poaching,” Slaba said. “They designed a computer simulation that showed what would happen to the animal population if they could address poaching.”
Another group is working on how we can use trash to produce energy.
Slaba says she thinks the project is especially valuable because it moves beyond the typical approach of knowing and understanding facts, and challenges students to think creatively and apply their skills to a practical issue.
“I think it helps students identify that we’re part of the world as a whole,” she said. “There are some things, whether human-induced or not, that are going on that their generation can create a solution to. Like cancer treatment; look how far we’ve come in 10 or 15 years. Maybe their generation will completely cure it.”
Slaba added that because students are allowed to pick their own topics, she’s seen a lot more pride and ownership in their work.
“It really puts into perspective that they can create change,” Slaba added. “They have these wonderful ideas already, so if they have the opportunity to put them in motion, who knows what will happen.”
For anyone interested in seeing the students’ projects, there will be a Science Social in the D-NH High School Auditorium Hallway from 1 to 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20. Parents and members of the public are invited to attend, and may enter through the auditorium or main office doors, which will be open at 1 p.m. for guests.