 | We already knew she was a superstar, but now it's actually true! Our elder chicken, Spicy Mildred, recently had an article written about her in Still Alive! magazine. You should check it out, it's a fun read. What's Spicy Mildred been up to these days? At nine years old, she's living her best life lounging around, eating good food, and still being bossy. |
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Thanks to the generosity of the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation, we can officially say that we know what a truck delivery of 240 filters looks like!
Are you familiar with Corsi-Rosenthal filter boxes? They're efficient, affordable, and got the thumbs up from the EPA at their ability to clean the air. We use one at the Lab. The folks who invented it, Dr Richard Corsi and Jim Rosenthal, established a foundation. A weeks ago, we made a grant request to their organization. This is what it looks like to have 240 MERV-13 filters delivered! Stay tuned for Family Science and Community Science programming related to this generous donation! In the meantime, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Our goal is to increase access to clean indoor air. With your support, we can provide the elders in our community with their own filter box at no cost. The support we need is primarily comprised of box fans and tape. It's a small ask with big impact! Visit our Amazon Wish List or contact us at [email protected] to make an in-kind donation of 20-inch box fans. Thank you!! This summer, Big & Little Scientists embarked on a tactile exploratory topic that incorporated scientific vocabulary and a mess. Welcome to the Science of Mess!! We've explored textures, practiced pouring, used our squeezing fingers, and much more! Examples of vocabulary includes sticky, fluffy, and thick.
We've learned and explored oh so much and made a fun mess while doing so! WHY MESS?? Messy play is oh so much more than just fun (and mess) — it's a crucial part of early childhood development! When our youngest learners engage in messy activities like finger painting, mud exploration, or water play, they're doing more than making a mess. They're exploring their senses, building fine motor skills, and learning about cause and effect. This hands-on, inquiry-based approach helps young learners develop creativity and problem-solving skills, while also giving them the freedom to explore with a few constraints (we don't eat our projects!). Embrace the mess! It's laying the foundation for future learning! Lead contamination in NYC soil is a critical public health concern. This issue, often overshadowed by more visible urban concerns, poses significant health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women. East Flatbush, Brooklyn currently has the third highest soil lead contamination in New York City. * Why is Lead in NYC Soil? Lead contamination in NYC soil stems from several historical and ongoing sources: Old Lead-Based Paint: Before its ban in 1978, lead-based paint was widely used in buildings. As older structures deteriorated, lead particles from peeling paint mixed with the soil. Vehicle Emissions: Until the 1980s, leaded gasoline was very common. Emissions from vehicles deposited lead in the air and soil, particularly along roadsides and in high-traffic urban areas. Industrial Activity: Past industrial operations, including factories and waste disposal sites, have left a legacy of lead pollution. Soil near these sites often shows elevated lead levels. The Dangers of Lead Lead is a potent neurotoxin. Even at low levels, it can cause severe health problems, especially in children. These include: Cognitive Impairment: Lead exposure can lead to reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues. Physical Health Issues: It can cause anemia, kidney damage, and weakened bones. Developmental Delays: In pregnant women, lead can harm the developing fetus, resulting in premature birth and low birth weight. * How Do We Know It's in the Soil? The presence of lead in NYC soil is well-documented through various studies and testing initiatives, many of which are available to the public. Do you live in East Flatbush and want to know what's in your soil? Thanks to a new community initiative, you can get it tested for free! Even better, a volunteer will come gather the sample for you! Sign up HERE while spots remain. Do you live outside of East Flatbush and want to know about your soil health? The Urban Soil Lab at Brooklyn College provides affordable soil testing services with results delivered via e-mail within a few days.  So much growth!! The recent heat wave sizzled a few of our leaves, and our tomatoes didn't seem too happy about it. Nonetheless, we've been busily growing and harvesting food from our garden! This is how our garden looks eleven weeks later. We've added compost tea and egg shells to reintroduce nutrients into the soil. The egg shells in particular help tomatoes thrive. Can you tell how much growth has taken place? |
