The Academy of Scientific Research
Welcome to the Science Academy
The Academy of Scientific Research puts a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, and Engineering. Students have an opportunity to explore the disciplines with likeminded classmates and supportive teachers.
Sixth Grade Electives
Sports Medicine
The Sports Medicine Class provides 6th-grade ASR students a comprehensive overview of the field of sports medicine, focusing on skeletal/soft tissue anatomy as well as prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of sports related injuries and conditions. Students will explore the various aspects of injuries through digital and print resources.
The curriculum covers:
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The history, scope and importance of sports medicine in promoting athletic well being and performance
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Careers in sports medicine
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Human anatomy, emphasizing the systems and principles relevant to sports performance and injury prevention
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Understanding injury risk factors and implementing preventative measures
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Identification, classification and evaluation of common sport related injuries
Students will engage in class discussions to gain an understanding of the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with athletes and gauge interest in the field of sports medicine.
Urban Planning
The Urban Planning class will immerse ASR 6th-grade students in the world of urban engineering and park design. Through trips, research, hands-on activities, and real-world examples, students will learn the principles of urban planning and develop essential skills in project management, research, design, and presentation. The culminating project of designing a community park in Brooklyn will allow students to apply their knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking skills to create a sustainable and attractive park that meets the needs of the community while considering budget and the impact of climate change on urban areas. The integration of cross-curricular opportunities will provide a holistic learning experience, empowering students to become future urban engineers and advocates for sustainable urban development.
Seventh Grade Electives
Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad is a course that gives 7th Grade ASR students an opportunity to use their curiosity, research skills, and prior knowledge to further their passion and learning for science. Students apply the Scientific Method to ask questions, define problems, and design experiments that incorporate key scientific concepts and phenomena that they learned in class. Students analyze raw data and evaluate potential solutions through an iterative process. In each marking period, a new challenge is presented that reflects a different focus area which may include the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and/or technology. Science Olympiad functions much like a football or soccer team, requiring preparation, commitment, coaching, and practice-- with emphasis on active participation in a group setting. Teamwork is an essential skill for all careers today, and the Science Olympiad elective course facilitates collaborative learning through engaging, hands-on problem-centered activities. At the end of the marking period, teams put their hard work and preparation to the test and see if their designs can successfully complete the challenge in a grade level competition. Students also have the opportunity to enrich their classroom experience by joining the Science Olympiad Club after school in NIA to represent IS187 and participate in a district-wide event.
Partnership with Billion Oyster Project within Science.
This school year we will be partnering with the Billion Oyster Project to incorporate hands-on STEM learning in our Life Science curriculum. Billion Oyster Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to restore oyster reefs to New York Harbor in collaboration with NYC communities. Oyster reefs provide habitat for hundreds of species, and can protect our city from storm damage — softening the blow of large waves, reducing flooding, and preventing erosion along the shorelines. Our students will learn about ecosystems, food webs, climate change, etc. all while becoming community scientists creating their own research project to be presented at the annual Oyster Symposium in June.
In the classroom students will set up and take care of two oyster research tanks. Students will learn how to set up the tanks, feed the oysters, conduct water change, and measure oysters. The tanks will also also serve as a frame for inquiry-based learning and authentic research via a number of different scientific methods, including: observational study (e.g. of animal behavior), experimental study (e.g. by varying tank parameters in comparison with control tank conditions), and engineering design (e.g. to optimize a tank’s biological filter). The students will come up with their research idea for the experimental tank and conduct their own experiment, which will be presented at the symposium.
Along with the oyster tanks, students will be able to visit IS 187’s adopted Oyster Research Station twice a year. The Oyster Research Station engages students in environmental restoration and stewardship at the water’s edge. Students will manage an oyster cage, with ~300 oysters; collecting data on oyster growth/mortality and identify organisms living among the oysters. The data will be sent back to Billion Oyster Project to assess and help understand oyster health in the Harbor. This data will also be used during the symposium presentation!
Eighth Grade Electives
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering is designed to provide ASR 8th grade students with the fundamental understanding of the principles, concepts and practices of the field of civil engineering. Students will be introduced to the history, development and significance of civil engineering in shaping our world today.
The curriculum will uncover
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The properties, characteristics and applications of materials used
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The importance of sustainable practices in projects to reduce environmental impacts and promote resilience
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Discussion of ethical considerations and professional responsibilities in engineering solutions
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The process of analyzing data in an engineer's perspective to draw conclusions
Students will apply scientific principles, critical thinking skills, cutting-edge technology, and a passion for civil engineering to solve complex engineering problems effectively as a team. As engineers, they are challenged to explain their views and solutions to problems in a way that can be understood by a range of audiences.
Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is a course designed to empower ASR 8th grade students with an understanding of the principles, concepts, and applications of mechanical engineering. Through hands-on projects, collaborative problem-solving, and budgeting exercises, students will explore the world of machines, mechanisms, and materials, while honing their skills in teamwork, critical thinking, and resource management. This course aims to foster an appreciation for the role of mechanical engineering in shaping the modern world and provide a foundation for future studies in engineering and design.
The curriculum will cover:
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Learn how to use a structured problem solving process and apply it to address various problems together as a team.
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Examine the properties and behaviors of various materials and understand how material selection influences design.
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Introduce the concept of budgeting within engineering projects, teaching students how to allocate resources effectively while considering constraints and limitations.
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Create physical prototypes and understand the impact of design choices on the usability and performance of mechanical systems.
Overall, Mechanical Engineering encourages students to develop a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, while fostering teamwork, creativity, resource management, and a practical understanding of how machines and mechanisms impact the world around us.
