Event in Farmington Hills Pairs Students, Science Experts

The next generation of environmental scientists got a leg up last month, when nearly 100 students from Detroit area schools mingled with top scientific experts at the Environmental Management Association’s (EMA) Science Fair Mentoring Event, held Saturday, Feb. 5 in Farmington Hills.

The mentoring event – geared toward junior and senior high school age students – was a joint project of the EMA and and was designed to support students entering the  54th Annual Science and Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit (SEFMD).  

Larry Russette, president of the EMA, explains that the mentoring event came about because organizers wanted to help students take their SEFMD projects to the next level. All of the volunteer mentors were EMA members or clients with environmental goals and a dedicated interest in supporting students. 

“I’ve been a judge at the science fair for about 12 years and although the students come up with great ideas, there is often something missing. They need assistance asking the right questions, working out the bugs and taking that project through to completion,” he said. “This mentoring event will help the students achieve a greater impact with their projects.”   

A recent push by Robert C. Bobb, Emergency Financial Manager of the Detroit Public Schools, encouraging Detroit students to place a greater emphasis on science and math has also increased the need to assist students entering the fair, according to Tim Fino, SEFMD director. “Participation in the fair had been declining. We were averaging about 1,100 students entering the fair. This year we have 3,321. Within the 13 categories offered, 220 projects alone are focusing on environmental issues.” 

Sam’s Club's environmental focus made the company the perfect partner for the mentoring event, said Vicki Lewis, EMA Board Member and president, VMX International. “(The EMA) is very impressed with Sam’s Club sustainability policy. It mirrors what we do at the EMA, so it made them a natural fit.”  

Lewis added that she sees the event as an opportunity to positively impact students and help get them enthused about their projects and science.

“We want to empower them with information; by meeting new students and sharing new ideas; and by introducing them to a mentor or two with whom they can develop a helpful relationship," she said. Following the event, students can re-connect with many of the mentors via email if they have follow up questions, she added. 

Ben Crenshaw, general manager of the Farmington Hills Sam’s Club hosting the EMA event, said the company is happy to be a part of it. “This is the type of thing we encourage and want to do – an event for the kids that helps them grow and expand their opportunities. We’re a big part of our communities, and want to support the people who live here," he said.

Kevin O’Mara, owner of Midwest Analytical Services and an EMA mentor, explained that the event is “to help both teachers and students by expanding their knowledge, and by making scientific exploration fun.” 

During the program, students spent 15 minutes at each of seven stations. They were also treated to lunch and a motivational address by Harold M. Martin of Harold Martin Racing. 

The first station, "How to Do an Experiment," was designed to help supplement  classroom instruction; to help them walk through a complete experiment and recognize the key, essential steps.  Students then would progress through the remaining stations that focused on water quality, air quality, energy resources, land use and biodiversity. Students were free to ask questions about their projects, or explore ideas for possible experiments. 

Gerald Greer, a mentor at the Air Quality Station, was impressed by the students’ questions. “They have a whole wide range of interests and ideas about where to go with their projects.  We’re helping them hone down what they can focus on, so that it’s manageable for them to accomplish the project successfully.” 

A non-scientific survey of several students indicates the event served its purpose. 

Deanhwuon Tippins, a 10th grader from Osborn High School in Detroit, will use the information he gathered to develop his science project. “We haven’t started our projects for the science fair yet. This is helping me get ideas,” he said. “I’m gathering information about what I want to do and how I can complete the experiment.” 

Janae Carter, a senior at University Prep High School, also wanted to come away with new insights. “I came to learn more about science overall and learn how to apply it to the projects I’m doing at school," he said.

Tyarriah Smith, a 7th grader at MacDowell Elementary in Detroit, said, “I’ve started my project, but I want to learn how to make my project even better this year.” 

With the solid turnout of this first mentoring program, Russette is already looking to expand on the project next year. 

“We put this year’s event together fairly quickly, in just about two months,” he said. “We’re very excited about the participation level, and about having a year before us to expand and include more students. We’ll be able to gather interest from the educators as early as August or September and then plan for more locations.” 

Shannon Scace, asset projection manager for Sam’s Club, believes the results of the students’ efforts may also help the community in turn, telling the students, “Sam’s Club is focusing on the environment and always looking for new ways to improve…Tomorrow one of your creations might be something we implement.”