New York, NY - Last fall, over 1,000 sixth and seventh grade students from four schools across Queens, New York took part in the Amazin’ Mets Foundation Science Series program. Sponsored by Moderna and in partnership with Learn Fresh, students visited Citi Field on a private tour with an in-depth look at the everyday operations that bring the ballpark alive for thousands of fans each week.
The Science Series provides teachers with seven lesson plans, developed by Learn Fresh alongside Mets Ballpark Operations staff, focused on topics including photosynthesis, sustainability, meteorology, energy consumption, and television connectivity. The program is designed to be an interactive and engaging experience for students, exploring each topic through a real-world application lens over the course of seven months starting in September.
As part of the program, students may participate in a research project focused on answering the challenging question of how to make Citi Field, their home community, or school as environmentally friendly as possible. Inspired by water safety and conservation and recycling, students from the Frank Sansivieri Intermediate School focused their solutions on addressing the topic: “Like in most ballparks, bottled water is sold to fans who need refreshment during the game. Are there better options to use other available resources?”
From conducting research, finding data-driven solutions, and designing and building prototypes, students wore every hat within the STEAM field–becoming researchers, engineers, innovators, and artists. All of their findings were summarized in a research-based persuasive letter to Citi Field management, arguing for the elimination of single-use plastic water bottles and proposing alternative solutions. Going above and beyond, students crafted a range of solutions–from sustainable merchandise to promotional campaigns encouraging fans to bring reusable bottles and switch to sustainable water vendors. Additionally, they incorporated technology such as QR codes and videography into their solutions, showcasing the thoughtfulness that went into crafting practical solutions.
Examples of student creations from the Frank Sansivieri Intermediate School school:
At the end of the year, each student was invited to a Mets game as a celebration of their hard work. Some even brought their own upcycled noise makers to cheer on the Orange and Blue.
One teacher described the program and its purpose as “meaningful, collaborative, and fun,” sharing how it ignited a passion within her students.
The Mets Science Series is a program dedicated to positively impacting the “educational trajectory of New Yorkers. From workforce development to college scholarships…” This is a sentiment Learn Fresh shares, uplifting students across the country and around the world by closing the STEM gap. Learn Fresh has been a partner of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation in other ventures as well, including Math Hits which debuted in 2020.
This is just the beginning for the program. Relaunched for the 2024-25 school year as a year-long format with an updated curriculum–thanks to feedback from educators–1,400 sixth and seventh graders will be participating. The Mets Science Series is more than just an exciting opportunity for students; it's a chance for them to apply the lessons learned in the classroom to everyday life. The Mets Science Series highlights the value of STEM education and emphasizes the importance of providing all students and communities access to these opportunities.
