Siena pulled out all the stops to welcome Capital Region families to campus for an afternoon of science fun.
The Great Siena Expedition was held May 3 to showcase the College’s new science facilities and to engage middle schoolers in wide range of educational STEM activities, from ant communication and ice cream making (in totally separate rooms) to 3D printing and robotics. There were more than 20 stations through Nobel Hall, Roger Bacon Hall and the Morrell Science Center.
“Participants were able to immerse themselves in the joy of learning and experience the warmth of the Siena community,” said Anne McCarthy, Ph.D., dean of the School of Science.
“As a Franciscan Institution, community engagement is something Siena holds dear. By opening our doors to our neighbors, we invite everyone to experience the richness of learning and community at Siena.”
McCarthy said visitors also gained first-hand familiarity with the quality of Siena’s facilities, faculty and students within the School of Science. Approximately 150 explorers and about 70 parents attended the event.
“I'm especially grateful for the number of student volunteers that we had, as I think that having them around really helped engage the kids,” she said.
NewsChannel 13 stopped by campus to report.
Jesse Karr, Ph.D., associate dean of the School of Science and associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry also noted the difference in having much younger students in the classrooms and labs.
"For those of us that are used to working with college students, it’s great to have the opportunity to engage with younger kids,” said Karr. “They often express a different type of enthusiasm and excitement to science and it's really fun to be a part of that!”
Students got a passport to stamp when they visited the different demonstrations, which they could turn in for free popcorn and a chance to enter a raffle for Siena merch.
Madagascar hissing cockroaches, anyone? Rebecca Clark, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and her colleagues had a whole crew ready to entice visitors, along with reptiles and pond creatures.
“Not only was it wonderful to see so many kids react enthusiastically to meeting our campus animals, it was phenomenal to witness how passionate our Siena students are about sharing their love of science with others,” said Clark. “It helped show me how the effort we all put in in the classroom and labs every day can radiate out from Siena to transform the lives of those around us, all for the better of our society and world.”
Health and human care professions were represented at the event, to give participants a glimpse into the scope of various health care careers.
“Students learned how to heal a broken heart, scrub in for an operation, perform a patient assessment, and test their lung capacity!” said Suzie Barry, D.O., director of the joint medical program and associate dean of health sciences. “We hope everyone learned something new about health careers and how we all work together to care for others.”
The ice cream making session was led by Lucas Tucker, Ph.D., but it wasn’t just about enjoying a sweet treat.
“The whole event was very successful,” said Tucker. “It was fun working with our college students to teach younger students about the chemistry of light using spectroscopy and polarizers and freezing point depression through making ice cream. Our room was busy for the entire event with a busy and excited energy.”
A whole team of Saints were on hand to help their younger counterparts investigate the world of science. Maddie Fay, student coordinator of the School of Science, helped organize the event and the volunteers.
“The Great Siena Expedition gave families the opportunity to explore the many aspects of science,” said Fay. “This event was designed to engage the natural curiosity of children and to show them just how vast science is! Through hands-on activities designed by School of Science faculty members, attendants of all ages were able to participate and learn something new!"