- Renowned Scientists from Columbia University and Polytechnic University to Judge Students' Research Projects -

The School for Democracy and Leadership in Brooklyn today kicked-off its first annual science exhibition. The event, which starts at noon at SDL's campus will showcase sixth and ninth grade students who have been working energetically throughout the school year on various science and technical projects, including designing model rockets, analyzing water erosion, building competitive robots, and studying the morphology of sea-side crabs. Projects with thought-provoking titles and highly visual displays will be on view as young "scientists" present their research and eagerly await the prize-winning results of Science Fair judges.

The goals of the science fair are to encourage students to be original, collect data in a systematic, thorough way, and explore how their projects might, if explored more deeply, result in positive change to their own lives and communities. While working on their respective projects, students were taught basic scientific principles and motivated to think creatively about the world around them in order to help them develop practical solutions for solving everyday issues. For example, a student interested in developing robots for combat built a simple robot for the KISS Robotics Competition. Another student interested in reducing energy use is exploring how to power motors using solar panels.

Distinguished scientists from Columbia University and Polytechnic University who work in the fields of computer science, astrophysics and chemistry will be special guest judges for the fair. In addition to volunteering their time, they have generously donated opportunities to tour their labs as prizes for the fair.

"The staff and students are very excited to initiate a tradition of science fairs at the School for Democracy and Leadership," said Nancy Gannon, principal. "Our challenge to the students is simple: participate in a project based on the idea of improving the world little by little. Students are given an opportunity to become more involved with their surroundings and assume leadership roles, while given a chance to be honored for their innovative ideas," Ms. Gannon continued. "Their response has been remarkable. Moving forward, we hope that every grade, every year will participate in this event."

In addition to awards, students who participate in the fair gain other key benefits. The process helps them to develop unique skill sets such as using scientific methodology to reach a conclusion, marketing techniques to create clever projects, and interviewing proficiency to explain their findings to audiences and judges.

About The School for Democracy and Leadership

The School for Democracy and Leadership is a 6-12th grade college preparatory school that will cultivate strong leaders and learners in our world. Our students will have exciting opportunities for internships, mentorships, college exploration, a summer bridge program and student governance, supported by partnerships with the New York Urban League, New School University's Institute for Urban Education and the Sadie Nash Leadership Project. We emphasize high academic achievement, a rigorous college preparatory curriculum for every child, and a close connection to the larger community. Our school emphasizes student choice, parent and community participation, and the development of personal potential through a number of elements including student advisories, Town Hall meetings, student government, and Change Projects where students work towards transforming an issue or challenge they select. Our students will take what they learn at School for Democracy and Leadership far beyond its halls -- to college, to their communities, to the city, and to their future careers. They will be a positive force in their world, capable of influencing change, participating meaningfully in their communities, and contributing constructively to democracy in our society.

Source: School for Democracy and Leadership

CONTACT: Dionne Manchester for School for Democracy and Leadership,
+1-917-805-7479, or Dionne@GWCco.com