Researchers from Stony Brook University’s Waste Data & Analysis Center (WDAC) brought a unique lesson to a New York City pre-school class on Friday, April 26, 2024. Dr. Yiyi Wang, Dr. Ashpreet Kaur, and PhD student Sameena Manzur connected with students at Horace Mann School virtually via Zoom to share their knowledge about waste characterization and recycling.

Led by teachers Lily Fernandez-Goodman and Eden Augustine, the curious young learners explored how a team of students and professors working together to recycle and keep the ocean clean. The WDAC team explained the importance of waste characterization studies and described how the WDAC team samples waste across New York State. The students also learned why recycling is essential for a healthy environment.

Lily Fernandez-Goodman and Eden Augustine said their students practiced sorting recyclable materials they had collected in the classroom. The children thoughtfully participated in their recycling project and learned about the importance of recycling.

Dr. Wang, Dr. Kaur, and Sameena Manzur were impressed by the children’s insightful questions. They were also struck by the children’s enthusiastic participation in recycling efforts, both in class and at home, and how these children encourage their families to recycle.

This engaging discussion demonstrates how STEM education can be introduced at a young age, fostering environmental awareness and inspiring future generations to be responsible stewards of our planet.

PhD student Sameena Manzur (left), Dr. Ashpreet Kaur (middle), and Dr. Yiyi Wang (right) were talking to Horace Mann preschoolers about waste generation and recycling