THE PROJECT

      Defying Gravity: Embracing Life in Space first launched in June, 2001.  The first phase was a five week intensive program that teamed NSBRI-supported Mount Sinai scientists with New York City high school teachers and students in an effort to create eight curriculum modules for ninth and tenth grade science and math.  The teams used a different area of NSBRI-sponsored research as the foundation for each module.  Teachers worked with scientists to combine their expertise and devise lesson plans that would bring cutting edge science into the classroom.  Students participated in the writing and testing of the modules, offering their unique perspective on the effectiveness of each module.      During the 2001-2 school year, Defying Gravity beta-tested the modules at Manhattan Center for Science and Math, an East Harlem High School.  The authoring teachers and scientists traveled to the school to present the lesson and lab materials, respectively.  Thirty six students from both Manhattan Center and Life Sciences Secondary School attended the after-school program on a voluntary basis.  
      During the 2002-3 school year, Defying Gravity modules were field-tested by teachers unfamiliar with the material in and around New York City, and in such places as Wyoming, Montana and Ohio.  From February 24-28, 2003, Life Sciences Secondary School held Defying Gravity Week, a collaboration that culminated in an assembly for students, teachers, and Mount Sinai faculty at the Hatch Auditorium at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.      Today, Defying Gravity is working towards the final completion of all eight curriculum modules.  We are also beginning to work in the area of public outreach.  Browse the website to learn more.  Thank you for visiting Defying Gravity online