IMPETUS celebrated the 51st annual Earth Day during its April Virtual Campus Visit, developed and led by Brigette Walsh, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs at Clarkson’s Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries. During the visit, Ms. Walsh provided a brief history of Earth Day, and of consumer packaging materials in the U.S., after which about 40 students participated in a hands-on data collection activity, guided by Clarkson graduate student volunteers.
Ruby Passon, Student, Brasher Falls CSD, Class of 2024
Clarkson’s Institute for STEM Education has been proud to continue operating IMPETUS for Career Success program (Integrated Math and Physics for Entry to Undergraduate STEM) in its 15th year, via an engaging virtual format to eligible 7th-12th grade students, throughout the challenging 2020-21 period. Participating students have received monthly STEM-themed kits in the mail before the virtual visits, to enable them to complete synchronous activities. In April, the kit included recycling guides and seed planting kits.
Taking advantage of the learn-from-home context, the middle and high school students analyzed various consumer products in their homes. They assessed whether or not they can be recycled properly, addressing common misconceptions about different types of plastics and paper products. The goal of the activity was to create awareness around consumer choice as it relates to plastics and other packaging materials, and the persistent environmental pollution that often results.
As a final call to action, Ms. Walsh assigned an Eco-Challenge to enable each student to contribute to creating a healthier environment. The Eco-Challenge includes four separate challenges students can complete in the course of the month, including cleaning up neighborhood litter, and planting the seeds from their kit.
IMPETUS is funded by NYSED’s STEP program, which provides students with academic enrichment and research experience in science, mathematics, and technology, and consists of summer intensive and academic year components. IMPETUS activities range from a computer programming game challenge, conducting original research projects for a statewide competition, interacting with college mentors and licensed STEM professionals, to designing and analyzing a model roller coaster.
Clarkson’s IMPETUS team includes Katie Kavanagh, Mike Ramsdell, Ben Galluzzo, Jen Knack, Brad Smith, Josh Thomas, Seema Rivera, Devin Kapper, Asher Pacht, Brigette Walsh, Mary Margaret Small, and Deb Shipp, and graduate students Freddie Amoah-Darko and Joseph Judge.
STEP has been in existence at Clarkson since 2006 and is funded jointly by the University to support 180 students in 7-12th grades each year. Dr. Katie Kavanagh (Mathematics) and Dr. Mike Ramsdell (Physics) are the program directors, with support from faculty fellows, Dr. Josh Thomas (Physics), Dr. Jen Knack (Psychology), and Dr. Ben Galluzzo (Institute for STEM Education). The program has traditionally served 11 school districts across St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Franklin Counties and this year have begun working with the Beacon City School District with coordination by Asher Pacht, Brigette Walsh, and Clarkson’s Beacon Institute.
