Scientists for a day

They used microscopes and wore lab coats, investigated acids and bases and learned about pH. The scientists weren't professionals—YET—they were students from around the Capital Region, including fifth graders from Abram Lansing Elementary School.

"It is a great opportunity for our students to be able to work with other students," said Janine Massaro, a fifth-grade teacher at Abram Lansing. "The students had the chance to work with adults who guided them through the activities, which gave them the chance to investigate and make discoveries about science on their own."

Young Scientists Day was held at The Rensselaerville Institute. Sixteen Abram Lansing students attended the program, which is run by Minds On at The Rensselaerville Institute and funded in part by the Bender Scientific Fund. The students worked in small groups with lab partners from other districts.

In groups, students traveled to four different stations which included microscopes, the scientific method, laboratory safety, acids and bases and the pH scale.