As a science student and hopefully future scientist I would like to share a few things about the Marine Biology Club I participated in every Friday. It was a great way for me to get my feet wet and introduce me to the life and work of a biologist. I feel that sometimes learning about science as a student revolves around hard core fact but in reality most of a scientist’s work is done in the field.
From learning about cancer to inspecting and measuring oysters the program was always hands-on. All the lessons were different and unique, for 6 sessions we were at Saint Francis college where our time was spent in their lab looking at cheek cell samples or microscopic marine life under a microscope. We would then share what we observed and learned about the microscopic organisms. Our time was also spent learning about different discoveries the students at the university were working on, the focus was on several conditions such as concussions, cancer, and different types of ringworm.
At the Brooklyn Bridge Park we learned about ways in which it is sustainable by methods that include reuse, recycle, reduce and restore. We did water quality testing and learned about organisms that live in the Hudson River. As our grand finale, we went seining in the Hudson River, an old Native American technique to catch fish. We observed the various marine life, tested the water and just had fun in our waders.
By Sonia Ehrich