BAMS Students See Science in Action

Students+trying+on+protective+gear+at+the+Albemarle+Chemical+Plant+in+Tyrone.

Mr. Hescox

Students trying on protective gear at the Albemarle Chemical Plant in Tyrone.

Nine seventh and eighth grade students were recently selected to go to Penn State’s Millennium Science Center and the Albemarle Chemical Plant in Tyrone with science teacher Mr. Hescox. The students learned about different scientific areas of the cancer research process, how the chemical plant functions, and the different areas around the plant.

During the first stop on the field trip students went into multiple labs of students and professors at Penn State and saw all the neat equipment that they use, including pieces that many people do not get to see very often. Some students were even allowed to test out a part of their project and listened to different sound waves. The students also had the chance to hear from the cancer research team that has been trying to find a way to put a stop to painful cancer treatments. They want to kill the cancer but leave the good cells in patients’ bodies.

While at the chemical plant, the students first had to watch a safety video to learn and understand the reasons it is important to be safe. If workers or visitors would breathe in certain chemicals, it could harm them. They also had the opportunity to try on the different suits the workers in the plant wear because of the different areas they perform their work. In order to keep safe, the students also had to wear a hard hat, rubber boots, and a reflective jacket. Students toured the main areas of the plants from the outside. They were not allowed to go inside due to the chemicals present, but they did get to go into two labs and the area where employees make sure everything is working well.

All in all, students had a lot of fun on this trip and learned about many different topics they may encounter later in life, depending on the field of study they choose in the future. Hopefully they took something positive away from the experience!