Eighth grade scientists meet Dr. Charles Liu

Montclair Kimberley Academy eighth graders, currently immersed in the process of conducting original scientific research for in-depth science projects, recently had the opportunity to learn first-hand from a notable scientist.

Dr. Charles Liu, Astrophysics professor at The City University of New York, Associate Member of the Department of Astrophysics at the Hayden Planetarium and Director of the Verrazano School, came to MKA to share his experience as a scientist, and talk about the scientific process and the importance of trial and error with the students.

After asking students to describe their science projects in one sentence, he then asked them for one adjective that encapsulated their experience with the projects so far.  Answers ranged from “challenging” to “stressful,” and Liu, discussing real-life examples of the scientific process where outcomes are frequently unknown, agreed with the student’s assessments. At the end of the session, some students shared challenges to their experimental design and were given some ideas to overcome their problems.  Liu also spoke to the students about the importance of the role of astronomy in better understanding planet Earth, explaining how knowledge of the conditions on Mars and Venus have contributed to our understanding of the greenhouse effect and global warming.

The eight grade Science Projects are a highlight of the MKA Middle School experience.  Students are charged to come up with a hypothesis and experiment to measure data on environmental topics ranging from climate control to pollution.  In addition to lab-based research, students use digital probes to calibrate, interpret and analyze data and engage in blogs and forums with their peers and teachers. After spending twelve weeks developing and conducting their experiments, they present their findings to their peers, faculty and families in March.