by AMBER KELLY and BRIANNA SICILIANO Photographer and Photo/Video Editor
The Falconer’s Voice staff took a trip to the Liberty Science Center on Tuesday, February 25 to observe the different scientific exhibits on display. With four floors filled with educational fun, our staff did not know where to begin.
The science center holds many different exhibits, including exhibits on animals, sports, health, communication, skyscrapers (which has 9/11 artifacts), and an exhibit about the Hudson River.
We could go on and on about the many different exhibits, but instead, the two of us have decided to focus on the one exhibit that seemed to stand out the most, which is entitled “Our Hudson Home”.
Overlooking the vast river and Liberty State Park, “Our Hudson Home” explores the complex relationship with the distinct and special ecosystem. Through hands-on activities and unique underwater environments, visitors discover how the human use of rivers can be successfully balanced with environmental preservation efforts.
The exhibition’s walls are covered in beautiful backgrounds, resembling different beaches and bodies of water, along with different facts about bodies of water.
Did you know that there are two kinds of pollution? One kind of pollution is called point source pollution, while the other is called non-point source pollution.
Point source pollution comes from a single source and is easy to spot. This sort of pollution has declined since Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972 and the Superfund Environment Law in 1980.
Non-point source pollution occurs when rainwater washes pollutants into bodies of water from anywhere in the watershed. Because these sources of pollution are spread across a large area, they are harder to control than pollution from a single source.
“The next time that you leave your garbage on the beach, or throw garbage out of your car window, just remember that your garbage can cause both pollution and death. Who knows what could happen to your garbage? Maybe a bunny, deer, shark, dolphin, or fish will swallow your wrapper and die instantly,” said junior Hiral Patel.
Did you know that modern pilings made from recycled plastic, fiberglass, or concrete do not rot or release harmful chemicals into the water? And that marine borers will not eat these smart solutions?
Alternative pilings that are pest-free and environmentally safe are being used more and more often in waterfront piers and docks, reducing the need to cut down trees. These new products are cheap, strong, and reliable. Your recycled water bottles might just show up as recycled materials in a new waterfront dock.
“Knowing that recycling can keep our rivers clean, and save sea-creatures lives, motivates me to push the idea of recycling to my family and friends,” said junior Alannah Nasser.
Whether you realize it or not, everyone has a connection to the bodies of water. What’s yours? Are you the kind of person who enjoys visiting wetlands, jet skiing, or surfing? Do you enjoy fishing or buggy boarding? Do you enjoy eating fish? Your connections can be taken away if we, as humans, do not take better care of our water.
What will you do to treat bodies of water better? Are you interested in visiting the Liberty Science Center and finding out more information?
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