Inquisitive teens dig through discarded fish remains in an effort to unearth evidence of plastic pollution.
Come, take a peek at what goes on in the lab, away from the public eye! Be a part of something real, something gut-wrenching yet mind-blowing - the American Museum of Natural History's Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP). This program, a sanctuary for science enthusiasts, gives young minds the opportunity to work alongside scientists and uncover the mysteries of our environment.
Mia, a high school junior, steels her nerves before sliding in a blade into a bluegill's belly. Her objective? To extract the gastrointestinal tract, hoping to find minute particles of plastic - known as microplastics. Together, Mia and two fellow high schoolers worked closely with Ryan Thoni, an ichthyologist, to investigate the presence of microplastics in fish specimens, some dating back over a century.
Research on microplastics has been on the rise in recent years, and for good reason. These tiny fragments of plastic debris pose significant potential health risks to humans and animals, with traces found in our blood, breast milk, and even brain tissue. Disturbingly, almost every one of the fish analyzed in Thoni's lab contained microplastics. As Mia pointed out, "We weren't expecting to find more than two to three per fish, but in some fish, we would find over 15."
What's more, fish collected from urban areas were likely to have more microplastics than those from less populated areas, shedding light on the impact our cities have on the environment. This revelation, Mia notes, "really makes you realize just how much the environment has been affected. There hasn't been a lot of research on it yet; our project might be able to help future people who are also doing research on microplastics."
The SRMP was established in 2009, and it could not have come at a more critical time. With federal funding for early career scientists dwindling, programs like the SRMP play a vital role in giving young scientists hands-on experience in real-world scientific research - a rarity in K-12 classrooms due to monetary and time constraints[2].
Amanda Townley, executive director of the National Center for Science Education, observes that programs such as the SRMP not only amplify the need for, but also complicate the work of programs like this one. The SRMP program receives its funding from private foundations, individual donors, and the New York City Council. Each student involved in the SRMP receives a stipend of $2,500 over the course of the year, recognizing the value of their time and scientific contribution[1].
The SRMP accommodates students from New York City schools that partner with the museum as well as those who have participated in previous programs. It even spawned a network of about 30 similar programs across the city, with institutions such as Brooklyn College and Bronx River Alliance participating as well[1].
In the lab on the sixth floor of the museum, Mia, Yuki Chen, and Freyalise Matasar, each representing different high schools across the city, delved deep into the world of research. As they meticulously dissect fish and analyze their innards, they do more than simply uncover the presence of microplastics. They demonstrate that young people have what it takes to make a genuine impact in the scientific community. As Freyalise, a junior at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in the Bronx, highlights, "I have totally fallen in love with science. It's been an amazing experience to see what professional science looks like - and more than just see it, to be a part of it."[1]
According to Thoni, who serves as the students' primary research mentor, "They do science." And indeed, they do. They might forget to put on gloves from time to time, but under Thoni's guidance, they perform meaningful research that has the potential to shape the future of scientific investigations. Their ultimate goal? To help combat climate change by arming scientists and the public with valuable data[1].
Climate change impacts our world in numerous ways, from disrupting oceans' ability to sequester carbon to releasing greenhouse gases directly. Interest in climate science among young people is growing, even as the federal government attempts to eliminate funding for it[2]. The SRMP provides students with opportunities to investigate a variety of climate-related topics, such as the climate on exoplanets, the ecology of sea anemones, and aquatic wildlife conservation in New York City[2].
As the students analyze and dissect fish, they not only find microplastics but also share unique insights and stories. Mia once stumbled upon poorly preserved, rotten innards - and a major stink. Others discovered aquatic creatures feasting on their peers, exuding a lesson beyond pollution. Through their collaborative efforts, these students shape their own paths while dissolving the boundaries between high school classrooms and real-world research[1].
Scientists, like Thoni, serve as effective mentors, nurturing the development of the students' skills and fostering a culture of collaboration and curiosity[1]. As Amanda Townley of the National Center for Science Education notes, mentorship is crucial for the next generation of scientists[2]. SRMP, with its dedication to developing future scientists, embodies this commitment in its pursuit of real progress in the world of science.
The SRMP offers an unfiltered, unleashed glimpse into the world of science - a world that is gross at times, yet riveting. It's a world in which young students from New York City uncover valuable data, forge relationships with scientists, and make choices that steer the course of their futures. By participating in the SRMP, they join the ranks of future scientists who are ready to confront the challenges of our changing world and lead the way toward a brighter, healthier future.
References:[1] American Museum of Natural History. (n.d.). Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP). Retrieved May 16, 2021, from https://www.amnh.org/education/programs/science-research-mentoring-program-srmp[2] National Center for Science Education. (n.d.). Why Mentoring Matters. Retrieved May 16, 2021, from https://ncse.com/blog/why-mentoring-matters-13674[3] Our organization. (n.d.). Climate Change Challenges for the Class of 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2021, from https://www.our organization.com/climate-change-challenges-for-the-class-of-2025
- The SRMP facilitates lifelong learning, as it provides high school students with an opportunity to engage in real-world scientific research, particularly in the field of environmental science, and stay updated on pressing issues such as climate-change.
- The program encourages inequality, offering financial opportunities, like stipends, to young scientists, creating a platform for the development and growth of the next generation of scientists, while fostering a deeper understanding of the presence of microplastics and their impact on fish specimens.
- As Mia, Yuki, and Freyalise dissect fish and analyze their innards, they effectively demonstrate that education and self-development through learning about science can produce tangible results, contributing to the scientific community's understanding of the environment and climate-change.
- Innovation and scientific advancements can arise from hands-on experience and collaboration, as exemplified by the SRMP, which provides students with the tools and guidance they need to investigate and combat environmental challenges, such as the presence of microplastics, while encouraging a passion for learning that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting.
