Last week, Science Research students at Townsend Harris attended their annual trip to the Queens College Research Day. Throughout the event, sophomores, juniors, and seniors engaged in interactive, science-related activities with Queens College professors designed to generate interest in scientific fields of study. Students were able to attend sessions featuring liquid nitrogen ice cream, a forensic lab, orange powered micro batteries, and more.
Science Research teacher Sarah Loew said that the trip helps expose students to science research opportunities in the real world, offering students a view into the expansive applications of science research in the world as well as the jobs and workplaces surrounding it.
“It’s always very interesting and motivating to visit labs and scientists researching a variety of scientific topics from virus evolutionary ecology to neutron scattering,” she said.
“The goal of a lot of those little activities is for them to be engaging,” said Science Research teacher Katherine Cooper. “It shows the students the joys that come with science.”
Students from other schools attended, which led to THHS students getting the chance to act as ambassadors and help guide students from other schools to the activities and demonstrations.
Junior Jenney Huang, a tour guide, said that her favorite activity was the forensic lab, hosted by drug chemist Vy Pak. Jenny said, “I found the field of professional forensics to be very intriguing and the details [Ms. Pak] provided plus her cheerful energy made the session all the more fun.”
The trip also features a special chemistry presentation: the annual Hayden Memorial Chemistry Show. According to many attendees, this demonstration was the highlight of the event. Physics and Chemistry teacher Joel Heitman hosted the show. Senior Enzo Schulze described Mr. Heitman’s show as “always fun to watch.” Ms. Loew said that the show offers an “array of fun, interesting, and explosive demonstrations [that are] hard to top.”
Jenney described one of Mr. Heitman’s many stunts in detail: “He heated a balloon full of hydrogen gas until it popped, displaying flames for a brief moment. He then heated a balloon full of helium until it popped, but there were no flames. He then explained that this happened because hydrogen is flammable but helium is not.”
Sophomore Thaseena Anjum said, “I really enjoyed the chemistry show since it was the most climactic event with constant loud noises, bright colors, and fire.”
Senior Sicheng Chen said, “We would normally not encounter something like [the chemistry show in class].”
Students enjoyed their time at the events across the campus. However, attendees also had some constructive criticism and advice for future trips of the same nature. Jenney said, “I would have liked to see images and videos compiled of the available programs since we were not able to attend every one.”
