ReAgents of Change

Fri., May 26, 2023
9 am–2 pm

Reagents are defined as materials utilized to initiate, carry out, drive, or monitor reactions. And agents are persons that take an active role on behalf of others to produce change. ReAgents of Change combines these elements together in this brand-new immersive STEM experience for students in grades 9-12. The experience aims to increase students’ skills in engaging in scientific discourse, connecting authentically with professionals, and linking social justice issues and science in their own communities.

ReAgents of Change will take place twice per year, once during the fall and spring semesters, and will highlight a different theme each semester.

The ReAgents of Change pilot program highlights topics of water safety, aquatic resources, and accessibility to clean water in conjunction with Pittsburgh Safe Boating Council’s National Safe Boating Week Celebration. During this program, students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities led by Science Center educators accessing water quality and investigating how to cleanup environmental accidents. They’ll have the opportunity to get outside and observe our waterways in real-time, and they’ll have the opportunity to meet and speak with a wide variety of professionals from Pittsburgh’s Safe Boating Council. And, a “Day of Action” will follow the onsite instruction day on Saturday, May 27 with Friends of the Riverfront so students can put the skills and knowledge they learn during ReAgents of Change into action within their own communities.

All are welcome to join us on May 27 from 10-11:30 am and 12-1:30 pm for a day of service and restoration education with Friends of the Riverfront! Each session will include a walk around the Science Center, leading to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Along the way learn about native plants of the riverfront (riparian zone), invasive plant management and the importance of science in the process of restoring and repairing land. We will even conduct a few in-the-field experiments to determine the health and safety of the riverfront.

Participants of all ages are welcome to come out and conduct an in-the-field experiment to test the soil and plant life, and learn how soil and plant testing can be used as part of service work like cleanups, restoration work, and land and water remediation.

Interested in learning more about ReAgents of Change and seeing if your school or class qualifies to participate in the free pilot program on Fri., May 26? Please reach out to Maggie Fonner, STEM Education Coordinator, at FonnerM@CarnegieScienceCenter.org before Fri., May 19.

Generously supported by Bosch Community Grant.