Family-friendly event to be held at Marist College Student Center this Saturday
(Millbrook, NY) The public is invited to attend the first-ever Hudson Data Jam Awards Showcase. Support regional students while learning about the Hudson River in this unique event that combines river science and data interpretation with creative communication. Developed by educators at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, the Awards Showcase will be held at the Marist College Student Center from 2-4 p.m. this Saturday, June 13th.
Educator Samantha Root explains, "We've been impressed by the tremendous turnout of student projects this year. We received over 100 projects for the competition. They've turned data sets on things like regional vegetation and fluctuating zebra mussel populations in the Hudson River into everything from children's books to interpretive dances. They really put their heart into the work, with the support of their classroom teachers, and we hope the community comes to see their unique projects and congratulate the winners."
A panel of scientists, educators, and artists are currently judging the Hudson Data Jam submissions. At the Awards Showcase, the top middle-school and high-school projects will be revealed. Showcase attendees will have the opportunity to view projects, interact with students, vote on a People’s Choice Award, and enjoy light refreshments.
More than 240 students in grades 6-12 took part in the Hudson Data Jam, with representation from Academy of the Holy Names, Arlington High School, Clarkstown High School North, Community Roots Middle School, Duanesburg High School, John Jay High School, Mildred E. Strang Middle School, Millbrook Middle School, Oakwood Friends School, Ossining High School, Pine Plains Central School District, Poughkeepsie Day School, Poughkeepsie High School, Rombout Middle School, Saugerties High School, Wallkill High School, Woodlands High School, and home school students.
Movies, animations, original songs, comic strips, and puppet shows were among the projects submitted. In addition to their creative work, participants will also share a poster that includes their project report information about the Hudson River watershed data they set used, including graphs that capture data trends and/or comparisons.
The Hudson Data Jam was made possible through generous funding from the Malcom Gordon Charitable Fund, which is managed by the Open Space Institute. Marist College is sponsoring the event by providing both a location for the Awards Showcase and the technology needed to support the electronic submission process.
You can keep abreast of Hudson Data Jam news by liking ‘HudsonDataJam’ on Facebook.