#citizensciencelab

However, we still got to go to Bartram’s Garden! We took a tour around one of Philadelphia’s Water Pollution Treatment Plant. When we arrived back at Bartram’s we were rained out, so everyone enjoyed pizza and water ice! After lunch, we discussed the relation between Bartram’s Garden and the treatment plant. Despite the rain, the River Ambassadors were in great spirits and made the most of the trip!

“Last week was our trip to Bartram’s Garden which was a wet one, literally. To start of our day we took a tour of a water refinery factory thing. The day started off smelling like well not good and at the end the smell got better. Throughout the tour, we were told what the water had to got through to get to clean. After the tour we went back to Bartram’s for lunch where we were hoping to go on the water but the rain was just a lot and it messed up our hopes of getting into the water. But all in all it was an okay fun day.” Romeo

Last week was our trip to Bartram’s Garden which was a wet one literally. To start of our day we took a tour of a water refinery factory thing. The started off smelling like well not good and at the end the smell got better. Throughout the door we were told what the water had to got through to get to clean. After the tour we went back to Bartram’s for lunch where we were hoping to go on the water but the rain was just a lot and it messed up our hopes of getting into the water. But all in all it was an okay fun day. “During our trip to Bartram's Garden, while waiting to board our bus. Jaden and I spotted an unusual thing. At first, we thought we just discovered a new species that can levitate without wings and would become famous for our discovery. But like all wonders it was dropped because it was just a stem of a plant hanging from a spider's web. Later in the day we went to a Water Pollution Treatment Plant, which had an unique sense of smell.” Isaiah

“Last week we went on our very first trip of the summer to John Heinz. Unexpectedly, this trip was very hands on. All of us got chest deep in river water in hopes of surveying mussels that inhabited the river. Although it was disgusting, I had gotten drenched, and we didn’t catch any mussels, overall I would say the experience was very pleasant. It was my first time ever doing something like that, and honestly I could say that I would do it again.” Kadidia

Two days after John Heinz, the River Ambassadors took  to Camden, New Jersey for their field trip to the Aquarium! 

“We got to experience how it feels to be behind the scenes at an Aquarium. My favorite part was getting to see the sharks. I learned that sharks actually don’t think humans taste good because of all the things we put on our body like soap and perfume.” Germilus

Here are some of their personal experiences this week:

“Last week we did wetland maintenance. For us to do Wetland maintenance, we have to get into kayaks and check to see if there’s anything on our wetlands. I almost tipped over when I got a Milk crate out of the river, but I’m glad I didn’t tip over. Then, I saw a duck that was sitting in one of our wetlands that started swimming off when it saw my kayak. Overall, I had fun cleaning up the river, wetlands, and I am excited to do it again.” Nevaeh

Our little duck friend!

Kayaking to the floating wetlands!

Germilus found lots of balloon trash!

Kimorae and Roxan opted for Row Boats instead of kayaks for trash pick up. 

Ambassadors Nevaeh and Bryanna posing during a walk around the gardens at Independence Hall. River Ambassadors are participating in an iNaturalist project about the biodiversity in Philadelphia! 

Ambassadors also have the opportunity to create a DIY bat box. Once finished, the bat box will be placed on the roof of ISM and hopefully home some bats next summer!

Dr. Andre Samuel

 As I’ve previously mentioned what inspired Pittsburgh Stories was a lecture by mayor Bill Peduto. He noted that Pittsburgh’s resurgence was due in large part to individual accomplishments, i.e. stories, of many Pittsburghers who created businesses and institutions that ultimately improved the lives of the city’s citizens and helped make Pittsburgh the most livable city in the America.  There is no better example than of Dr. Andre Samuel of Citizen Science Lab.  While working on his PhD in Biology at Duquesne University, on his own, he founded the mentoring program, S.I.G.M.A. Science Mentorship Initiative, to expose African-American kids to the sciences.  Eventually the success of the program drew the attention of Dr. Alan Seadler, who helped Dr. Samuel fund and market the program, which eventually evolved into The Citizen Science Lab.