April 25, 2006
Students Experience the NSLS Via Webcast
Recently, more than 20 chemistry and earth-science students from Sayville High School participated in a unique data-analysis project at NSLS beamline X15B - without ever entering the NSLS. Via webcast, they watched as their teachers, assisted by scientists from Stony Brook University's (SBU) Geosciences Department and Brookhaven Lab's Environmental Sciences Department, analyzed soil samples from a creek near the school. This arrangement, which could become a model for other schools nationwide, allowed an entire classroom of students to remotely observe and interact with their teachers in real time. Thus, they were able to share in the research experience without being present.
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The soil samples were taken from various locations along the creek, from wetlands to uplands, and from various depths. The students have studied water and soil samples from the creek in past work, but this exercise provided the first molecular-scale information about the soils.
On April 25, as the students watched over the web (using VRVS, the Virtual Room Videoconferencing System), teachers Adriana Adler and Janet Kaczmarek analyzed the samples at the NSLS to determine what types of sulfur compounds are present in the soils, and in what amounts. Adler and Kaczmarek (who teach chemistry and earth science, respectively) mounted the samples into the "hutch box" located at the beamline and scanned each sample with a beam of x-rays. This resulted in a set of x-ray absorption "spectra" for sulfur - measurements that show how the sulfur compounds in the soils absorbed the x-rays. Since every compound absorbs x-rays differently, this analysis uncovered the identity and relative amount of each sulfur compound present. The proportions of these compounds reveal important information about the soil samples and the wetlands ecosystem, such as how organic matter decays in soils at different depths and under different conditions. The sulfur compounds can also indicate how environmental contaminants will behave in the wetlands.
As Adler and Kaczmarek worked at the beamline, they were able to see their students. Simultaneously, their students could see them. Thus, the webcast provided valuable two-way interaction.
"The webcast was a fantastic experience for students," said Adler. "We attempt to provide many opportunities for hands on laboratory exercises for our students. Bringing the NSLS beamline 'into the classroom' and allowing students to direct experiments at NSLS from the classroom opened a valuable teaching tool for us at Sayville High School."
Kaczmarek commented, "This was an invaluable experience both for myself and the high school students involved with the webcast. I don't think many high school students can say that they were part of an experiment run at world-known BNL. I see much potential with this type of educational outreach and the benefits to all parties involved. It is all very exciting!"
The webcast stems from a Research Experience for Teachers (RET) project called "High School Teacher Training in an EMSI: Bringing First-Hand Research Experiences from the Lab to the Classroom," which is being conducted at the Center for Environmental Molecular Science (CEMS) at SBU. This project is a collaboration between CEMS and an initiative within the Brookhaven Lab Office of Educational Programs (OEP) called "Building Leadership to Expand Participation in Environmental Molecular Science." Both programs are funded through National Science Foundation (NSF) supplements to CEMS, which is a collaboration between SBU Geosciences and BNL Environmental Sciences departments and is co-funded by the NSF and the U.S. Department of Energy. As part of the RET program, both Adler and Kaczmarek have undergone research training at CEMS, focused on the integration of molecular-scale approaches for studies of environmental chemistry. Both teachers also attended an NSLS-sponsored introductory seminar on x-ray absorption spectroscopy applications.
The CEMS personnel who enabled this project include Richard Reeder (Director of CEMS and Professor of Geoscience at SBU), Mirza Beg (Environmental Education Specialist at CEMS), Paul Northrup (CEMS Principal Investigator from BNL's Environmental Sciences Department), and Marianna Kissell (a CEMS graduate student conducting research at NSLS beamline X15B). The project was also enabled by OEP personnel, including Ken White (OEP Manager), Jen Clodius (Senior Educational Programs Representative), and Scott Bronson (Educational Programs Administrator). OEP provided guidance on the use of the VRVS technology and made the broadcast successful. Clodius coordinated the webcast at the beamline, while Bronson managed it at the school.
Northrup, a beamline scientist for X15B, devoted beam time, as well as his own time and expertise, to the project. His efforts were critical to the project's success. Northrup, along with Kissell, also provided scientific support to the teachers. Administrative support was provided by the chair of the Science Department at the Sayville High School, Brian Vorwald. Mike Tabor, head of the school's Technology Department, provided computer and network support.
The outcome of the webcast was very positive. It generated considerable interest among the students. During the experiment they asked questions about x-ray absorption spectroscopy, beamline operation and safety procedures, the results of the analysis, and the NSLS in general. The organizers of the webcast are hopeful that this event could serve as a pilot for other scientific facilities and schools across the country.
Northrup and beamline X15B are supported by the Office of Biological and Environmental Research (Environmental Remediation Sciences Division) within the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, through the BNL EnviroSuite initiative.
ARTICLE BY: Laura Mgrdichian
PHOTO BY: Roger Stoutenburgh