To Dr. Morton and All Others Affiliated with the Scienceland Decision,
We, the undersigned, are devastated by the administration’s decision on 10/16/2014 to shut down the Scienceland project begun in the spring of 2014 by the Clarkstown North Science Department and National Honor Society members. We firmly believe that Scienceland is a more than worthwhile project that has incredible potential for learning and should be brought to fruition. An idea so beneficial to the advancement of science education in the district, so quintessential of wonder and discovery, so powerful in its ability to inspire cannot and should not be shut down without the most careful consideration.
What purpose does this 17 acre plot of land in West Nyack serve the district in its current state? We also ask, why procure this plot of land if there was no intention to utilize it and even go as far as to stop any attempts at making the land usable and beneficial to the community?
This land was nothing more than a neglected dumping ground before National Honor Society began cleaning it up in the spring of 2014. Since then, this land has been transformed from a forgotten forest into something that has true potential; potential to inspire future generations of students to enter the field of science and make a difference.
The overall goal of this project is to create a nature preserve, owned by the district, to which students can go to explore and discover the world around them. What better way to learn about preserving the environment than to immerse oneself in the environment? This project would give the district the ability to teach science in the most practical way possible - through real-world observation. Why just have students read about the structure of a plant when they can go into nature and discover the structure of a plant themselves? In terms of curriculum, Scienceland would tremendously increase the capabilities of the district’s science teachers to effectively teach science. In a world where STEM education is becoming more and more paramount, how can the district justify its decision to end a project that would benefit the sciences? A place like Scienceland would be a jewel to the district; passing up the opportunity is unwise.
We were asked, why not use another, already developed park? Yes, we could use a public park such as Rockland or Congers Lake, but those parks are not truly natural, therefore they do not offer the same level of environmental immersion that Scienceland would. These parks contain concrete trails, metal picnic tables, and lack extensive forestry. These factors take away from the natural background and do not provide the opportunity to explore. On the other hand, Scienceland contains natural, dirt paths and ample forestry, thus adding to the natural experience and feeling of adventure associated with being in a forest setting.
All of the work to develop this land and to create Scienceland has been done free of charge by a group of dedicated volunteers. In early October, numerous tree companies had expressed their interest in donating wood chips to this project. Aside from the volunteer hours and donations, National Honor Society had organized a fundraiser to raise capital toward completing Scienceland - this would include benches, picnic tables, and fencing.
Students have invested vast amounts of their time and energy to this project and are passionate about seeing it completed. To have it terminated so unreasonably is a sore disappointment.
We, the undersigned, hereby request that the district assign a representative to work closely with those leading the Scienceland project and to go over any potential risks in order to resolve any concerns the district may have. We want to see the district put this land to use in a meaningful way that will change children’s lives.
Updates
November 13, 2014
I have spent the last few afternoons walking the perimeter of that land and imagining what this could have been for our students. Seeing that plot sit empty while the administration refuses to explain their logic is fueling my resolve to keep pushing for an answer.
November 13, 2014
Seeing this kind of momentum confirms that I am not the only one who sees the incredible potential in that overgrown plot of land. It feels like the community is finally waking up to the fact that we have the power to turn a neglected dumping ground into a place of true discovery for every student in this district.
24 Comments
Scienceland is an untapped and tremendously vital area that can and will provide students of all ages with a wide breadth of environment-related topics. Climate change, along with degraded environmental systems in general, is one of the most critical and widespread issues facing our society today. Scienceland is a big step in the right direction of truly educating students of Clarkstown School District on why protecting the environment is so crucial for today and for tomorrow. This is one of the few places in our area that is truly untouched and natural, and it can be even more so if the district allows the cleanup to continue.
Scienceland brought students together, allowed them to bond and physically make a difference in their local area. Having that intimate interaction with nature and actively trying to clean and help the earth made me realize how important it is to get involved. I always knew it was a good idea, obviously, but it wasn't until Scienceland that I realized how important being an active participant in helping society is.
Scienceland brought students together, allowed them to bond and physically make a difference in their local area. Having that intimate interaction with nature and actively trying to clean and help the earth made me realize how important it is to get involved. I always knew it was a good idea, obviously, but it wasn't until Scienceland that I realized how important being an active participant in helping society is.
This land, otherwise unused by the school district, is an unbelievable, hands-on way for kids to expand upon their scientific horizons. A beautifully creative idea such as this could be the reason a number of kids become interested in the sciences, and should definitely not be shot down.
This land, otherwise unused by the school district, is an unbelievable, hands-on way for kids to expand upon their scientific horizons. A beautifully creative idea such as this could be the reason a number of kids become interested in the sciences, and should definitely not be shot down.
This is definitely worthwhile. I stand by Michael Gurock and all passionate about this cause. Scienceland has a great deal of untapped potential- potential that shouldn't go to waste.
This is definitely worthwhile. I stand by Michael Gurock and all passionate about this cause. Scienceland has a great deal of untapped potential- potential that shouldn't go to waste.
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To Dr. Morton and All Others Affiliated with the Scienceland Decision,
We, the undersigned, are devastated by the administration’s decision on 10/16/2014 to shut down the Scienceland project begun in the spring of 2014 by the Clarkstown North Science Department and National Honor Society members. We firmly believe that Scienceland is a more than worthwhile project that has incredible potential for learning and should be brought to fruition. An idea so beneficial to the advancement of science education in the district, so quintessential of wonder and discovery, so powerful in its ability to inspire cannot and should not be shut down without the most careful consideration.
What purpose does this 17 acre plot of land in West Nyack serve the district in its current state? We also ask, why procure this plot of land if there was no intention to utilize it and even go as far as to stop any attempts at making the land usable and beneficial to the community?
This land was nothing more than a neglected dumping ground before National Honor Society began cleaning it up in the spring of 2014. Since then, this land has been transformed from a forgotten forest into something that has true potential; potential to inspire future generations of students to enter the field of science and make a difference.
The overall goal of this project is to create a nature preserve, owned by the district, to which students can go to explore and discover the world around them. What better way to learn about preserving the environment than to immerse oneself in the environment? This project would give the district the ability to teach science in the most practical way possible - through real-world observation. Why just have students read about the structure of a plant when they can go into nature and discover the structure of a plant themselves? In terms of curriculum, Scienceland would tremendously increase the capabilities of the district’s science teachers to effectively teach science. In a world where STEM education is becoming more and more paramount, how can the district justify its decision to end a project that would benefit the sciences? A place like Scienceland would be a jewel to the district; passing up the opportunity is unwise.
We were asked, why not use another, already developed park? Yes, we could use a public park such as Rockland or Congers Lake, but those parks are not truly natural, therefore they do not offer the same level of environmental immersion that Scienceland would. These parks contain concrete trails, metal picnic tables, and lack extensive forestry. These factors take away from the natural background and do not provide the opportunity to explore. On the other hand, Scienceland contains natural, dirt paths and ample forestry, thus adding to the natural experience and feeling of adventure associated with being in a forest setting.
All of the work to develop this land and to create Scienceland has been done free of charge by a group of dedicated volunteers. In early October, numerous tree companies had expressed their interest in donating wood chips to this project. Aside from the volunteer hours and donations, National Honor Society had organized a fundraiser to raise capital toward completing Scienceland - this would include benches, picnic tables, and fencing.
Students have invested vast amounts of their time and energy to this project and are passionate about seeing it completed. To have it terminated so unreasonably is a sore disappointment.
We, the undersigned, hereby request that the district assign a representative to work closely with those leading the Scienceland project and to go over any potential risks in order to resolve any concerns the district may have. We want to see the district put this land to use in a meaningful way that will change children’s lives.
Updates
November 13, 2014
I have spent the last few afternoons walking the perimeter of that land and imagining what this could have been for our students. Seeing that plot sit empty while the administration refuses to explain their logic is fueling my resolve to keep pushing for an answer.
November 13, 2014
Seeing this kind of momentum confirms that I am not the only one who sees the incredible potential in that overgrown plot of land. It feels like the community is finally waking up to the fact that we have the power to turn a neglected dumping ground into a place of true discovery for every student in this district.
24 Comments
When NHS started this project last year, I was skeptical. When I saw the level of devotion that the student-volutneers put into the project, I soon became convinced that it could be a success. This project is unique because it is something that will take a while to complete, but the progress can be seen with each day of work. The ultimate goal is noble and will benefit the community. Plus, the community service is fun; how often can anyone say that? To deny the students the right to work on "Scienceland" is not just a waste of the time already spent cleaning up the land, but more importantly a denial of future students' ability to learn about nature in a hands-on environment.
Scienceland is an untapped and tremendously vital area that can and will provide students of all ages with a wide breadth of environment-related topics. Climate change, along with degraded environmental systems in general, is one of the most critical and widespread issues facing our society today. Scienceland is a big step in the right direction of truly educating students of Clarkstown School District on why protecting the environment is so crucial for today and for tomorrow. This is one of the few places in our area that is truly untouched and natural, and it can be even more so if the district allows the cleanup to continue.
Scienceland brought students together, allowed them to bond and physically make a difference in their local area. Having that intimate interaction with nature and actively trying to clean and help the earth made me realize how important it is to get involved. I always knew it was a good idea, obviously, but it wasn't until Scienceland that I realized how important being an active participant in helping society is.
Scienceland brought students together, allowed them to bond and physically make a difference in their local area. Having that intimate interaction with nature and actively trying to clean and help the earth made me realize how important it is to get involved. I always knew it was a good idea, obviously, but it wasn't until Scienceland that I realized how important being an active participant in helping society is.
This land, otherwise unused by the school district, is an unbelievable, hands-on way for kids to expand upon their scientific horizons. A beautifully creative idea such as this could be the reason a number of kids become interested in the sciences, and should definitely not be shot down.
This land, otherwise unused by the school district, is an unbelievable, hands-on way for kids to expand upon their scientific horizons. A beautifully creative idea such as this could be the reason a number of kids become interested in the sciences, and should definitely not be shot down.
This is definitely worthwhile. I stand by Michael Gurock and all passionate about this cause. Scienceland has a great deal of untapped potential- potential that shouldn't go to waste.
This is definitely worthwhile. I stand by Michael Gurock and all passionate about this cause. Scienceland has a great deal of untapped potential- potential that shouldn't go to waste.
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When NHS started this project last year, I was skeptical. When I saw the level of devotion that the student-volutneers put into the project, I soon became convinced that it could be a success. This project is unique because it is something that will take a while to complete, but the progress can be seen with each day of work. The ultimate goal is noble and will benefit the community. Plus, the community service is fun; how often can anyone say that? To deny the students the right to work on "Scienceland" is not just a waste of the time already spent cleaning up the land, but more importantly a denial of future students' ability to learn about nature in a hands-on environment.