Students in Years 5 through 9 (4th through 8th Grade) stepped beyond the classroom to explore real-world science at the Hudson River Park Wet Lab, Pier 57. These visits brought our learning to life, connecting environmental challenges with innovative solutions right here in New York City.
A highlight of the experience was the hands-on Pollution Solutions workshop, which complemented our MIT Challenge “Tiny or Layered”, a theme of designing with layers. Students worked collaboratively to engineer layered water filters, testing how different materials could clean “polluted” water. This practical challenge encouraged enquiry, adaptability, and collaboration, three of our NAISNY habits in action. As Jordan (Year 8) shared, “The Wet Lab trip was fun, interactive, and educational. We carried out lots of activities and the Wet Lab educators were very good.”
Beyond the workshop, students explored how pollution moves through urban systems, linking environmental science to the built environment around them. Brendan reflected, “I enjoyed it very much. My favorite part was certainly the little sewer system that they made. It was a very enjoyable trip.” These insights fed directly into our MIT Challenge thinking, showing how layered solutions, material choices, and iterative testing lead to better designs.
The interactive learning room was another favorite. Year 7 students were captivated by the oyster toadfish. Observing it up close sparked curiosity and wonder. One student summed up the experience perfectly: “I really enjoyed this trip. This year was my first time and I found it so interesting to learn about the Hudson River.”
Thank you to the Wet Lab educators for welcoming our teachers and students and for making these learning opportunities possible. Experiences like this embody our commitment to personalized learning, real-world connections, and global awareness, empowering students to think big, act boldly, and make their mark on the world.
The challenge encourages students to create something tiny or layered, drawing inspiration from Dr. Hammond’s nanoscale drug-delivery research. Students follow MIT’s design process, research, define, explore, design, create, test, improve, and share, to craft prototypes using layered materials or miniature designs.
