Collaboration for Innovation

Imagine the impact on our students of studying at a university whose alums have designed the Brooklyn Bridge, invented email, and won the Nobel Prize. Harlem Academy’s middle school students were offered just such an opportunity in June, with a three-day visit to Rensselaer.

The trip allowed students to participate in real, inquiry-based science, meet professional scientists, and experience life at a leading research university. Students were divided into teams to work on projects based on their interests.

The first afternoon was spent getting acquainted with mentors, visiting laboratory facilities, brainstorming project ideas, and beginning the design process. The second day students engaged in the building process, and by the end of the day each team had a complete product. On the third day, teams presented their projects to the students, teachers, parents, mentors, and Rensselaer President Dr. Shirley Jackson.

STUDENT REFLECTIONS

What was your favorite part of the trip?
My favorite part was creating a hydro-electric turbine/generator and the food at the buffet meals. – Joel

My favorite parts were the presentations that other groups worked on. They were educational and helped you get the idea and structure of things. – Ami

What was a challenge from the trip?
The most challenging part of the trip was when we had to trust people to guide us to the balls and instruct us where to throw them. It was the most challenging exercise because it was all about teamwork. – Dylan

A challenge for me at Rensselaer was building the hydro-electric turbine and trying to wake up on time. – Joel

What was something you learned about yourself?
A thing that I learned about myself on the trip was that I could open up and surpass my standards, just like everyone can do if they try and try. – Dylan

I learned that I’m good at whatever I study and work on the most. – Ami

What was the most interesting thing you learned?
The most interesting thing was the study of electrical engineering, also working with LED lights. – Ami

I learned you can make a prototype hydro-electric turbine using plastic spoons, magnets, hot glue guns, some wire, a cork, and a straw. – Joel