Science lessons for students from the Intrepid

Hoping to inspire an interest in science and especially in aviation, City Councilmember James F. Gennaro recently visited Parsons J.H.S. 168 to take part in the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum’s after-school program on aviation.
The eight session Intrepid program is a part of New York City’s Cultural After School Adventures Initiative (CASA) and Gennaro provided $25,000 in funding to bring the program to J.H.S. 168 in Fresh Meadows.
Since May 9, two museum educators have come to J.H.S. 168 on Wednesdays and Thursdays to teach the 7th and 8th grade students about the history and science of aviation. The program is interactive with hands-on experiments like creating parachutes.
Gennaro joined the students during their sixth session on Thursday, May 24. He spoke to the class about getting the most out of the program and said that there is no limit to what the students can do.
“I started my career with an interest in science,” said Gennaro. “I know that the Intrepid does such a good job inspiring kids with their scientific program. I thought it’d be great to bring the program to Parsons and I’m glad I did.”
Each week, the classroom fills with 10-20 students. The 13 students who attended Thursday’s session were highly involved in the classroom discussion and the informal atmosphere allowed them to talk freely about the topic.
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for our children to have,” said Principal Judy Geweurz. She said that it is very successful because the children are choosing to be academic.
J.H.S. 168 is the seventh school this year to offer the program.
The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, located on Manhattan’s west side, is currently closed and will reopen in the fall of 2008.