Future Science Leaders
Building science communication skills for middle school students.
The Sciencenter’s Future Science Leaders (FSL) program empowers 6th – 8th grade students to explore STEM, make new friends, and participate in real scientific research. Through hands-on activities, education, exhibit development, and guest interactions, participants develop leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills, fostering curiosity and preparing them to become future leaders in the scientific community.
This program is free to all current Sciencenter members.
Interested in becoming a member of the Future Science Leaders, or want to learn more about this program? Contact Peter Leipzig, Education Program Coordinator, at pleipzig@sciencenter.org.
Throughout the year, FSL students engage in projects, conduct demonstrations for museum visitors, and participate in citizen science initiatives.
Students learn skills like handling live animals, educating visitors, and building strong science communication skills.
FSL participants work on exciting projects like prototyping interactive exhibits for the museum floor, researching the health of the Cascadilla Creek alongside scientists, and collaborating with Cornell professors and the Sciencenter on projects. Recent projects include developing interpretive signage for Taughannock Falls State Park and creating artwork based on climate change data.
FSL Program
Middle school students can participate in the Future Science Leaders program during the school year. This program is free and open to Sciencenter members. FSL members will…
• participate in community science projects
• collaborate with researchers from Cornell and around the Finger Lakes
• engage with Sciencenter’s live animal collection (snakes, geckos, horseshoe crabs, etc.)
• design, build, and test exhibit prototypes
• earn volunteer or community service/career exploration hours
FSL members attend meetings and special events when they are interested and available.
Meetings are typically on Saturdays from 1:30 – 3:00 pm.
Evening events will include special projects, museum exploration, and interactions with STEM professionals.