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The Study of Cells - The Building Blocks of Life!

At West Side and Lloyd Harbor 6th graders were pleased to welcome DNALC educator, Ms. Gottlieb, who taught an experiment about cells – the building blocks of life! These West Side students gathered in the Creative Learning Lab to learn how cells work together to keep our bodies healthy and functioning, and how all cells come together to form plants, animals and human life.
 
For example, they learned red blood cells carry oxygen from our lungs to all parts of our body. In contrast, white blood cells act like the body's defense team, fighting off germs and keeping us safe from illnesses. Students were surprised to learn our bodies typically have only 1 white blood cell per every 1000 red blood cells! They also learned that just by scratching their arm or leg….thousands of skin cells are shed from our body daily! These skin cells form a protective barrier around our bodies and help keep out harmful substances and regulate temperature. There were so many types of cells to discuss, including brain, muscle, tissue, nerve, and more!
 
Throughout the school year, both elementary schools collaborate with the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center. DNALC educators visit both school’s science classrooms to perform various experiments with 6th graders. The highlight of course being the 6th grade field trips to the DNA Learning Center located on Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor in January.
 
Understanding cells helps scientists learn how life works, how we grow, and how we can stay healthy. When these students think about life, they now know it all starts with cells! Thank you CSH Laboratory for these amazing collaborations with CSH School District.