STEM class learns about stem cells

Updated: 09/24/2014 10:46 PM Created: 09/24/2014 5:24 PM WNYT.com By: WNYT Staff

RENSSELAER - Middle school students from Robert C. Parker School in North Greenbush took a field trip to the Neural Stem Cell Institute at UAlbany's east campus to learn about themselves on a cellular level.

This is a unique school trip as these middle school students are getting a hands on lesson in the ABCs of cutting edge biology - the role stem cells play in our lives.

Well, I learned that cells make up all of your body, said Shy'Leah Riggsbee, a 7th grader.

In partnership with the Neural Stem Cell institute the middle schoolers at the Robert C. Parker School spend a day in the lab. Since stem cells are increasingly being used to develop new treatments it's the perfect place to immerse the next generation of scientists.

So, by the time these children are going to decide on their careers we're going to have a lot of new therapies hitting the market. It'll be booming. So this is a great time to introduce them to stem cells as a career choice, said Dr. Chris Fasano with NSCI

Woven into this science lesson is a mini math lesson - the measuring of testing fluids - observing reaction times, and reliance on technology to develop the tools and protocols needed to mine the mysteries of how stem cell technology can affect our health.

For middle school kids, theres nothing more motivating than helping solve real problems, said Meg Taylor, head of school. They want to make a difference in the world.

I really want to learn about it in more depth now, because it's so cool and interesting, said Sophia Arnold, a 6th Grader.

If you've got a STEM story you would like to share, e-mailstem13@wnyt.com.

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STEM class learns about stem cells