Bringing Environmental Science to Life: Burns Sci-Tech Students Partner with UCF
At Burns Science and Technology Charter School, we believe some of the most meaningful learning happens when students move beyond the textbook and participate in real-world scientific research. Recently, students in Ms. Jarrett’s Honors Biology and some of her previous AP students had the opportunity to do just that through a collaboration with the University of Central Florida (UCF) and its CEE-LAB program.
UCF representatives visited our campus to teach students how to process atmospheric deposition samples and introduced them to scientific procedures used to study what settles from the atmosphere onto the Earth's surface.
What Is Atmospheric Deposition?
Atmospheric deposition is the process by which substances in the atmosphere, including particles, dust, and other materials, are transferred to the Earth's surface through rain, snow, or by settling directly onto land and water. Studying these materials helps scientists better understand air quality, environmental conditions, and how atmospheric pollutants can affect local ecosystems.
By participating in this type of research, students gain a better understanding of how the atmosphere connects to the environment around them and why monitoring these processes is important to environmental science.
From Classroom Learning to Real-World Research
During the visit, the UCF team worked directly with our students, demonstrating how to properly process atmospheric deposition samples and helping them learn the techniques needed to continue the work independently.
But the learning doesn't stop there!
Over the next month, students will continue processing samples on their own, applying the procedures they learned and carefully documenting their work. Once their testing is complete, they will send their results to UCF to contribute to the broader research effort.
This experience gives students a unique opportunity to participate in an ongoing scientific project rather than simply studying research conducted by others.
They will practice following scientific protocols, collecting and recording data, maintaining consistency, and understanding the importance of accurate results.
Why Experiences Like This Matter
Opportunities like this collaboration allow students to see how the concepts they learn in Biology connect to real scientific questions and environmental challenges. They also develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom, including critical thinking, attention to detail, problem-solving, and scientific responsibility.
By working with university researchers, students gain insight into how scientists investigate environmental issues and how classroom knowledge can be used to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community.
The experience also introduces students to potential pathways in environmental science, biology, research, and other STEM-related fields. For students considering college or careers in science, seeing professionals at work and participating in authentic research can help make those possibilities feel more tangible.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists
We are grateful to the University of Central Florida team for visiting Burns Sci-Tech, sharing their expertise, and giving our students the tools to continue this important work. We also appreciate Ms. Jarrett for creating opportunities for her Biology students to engage in hands-on learning that extends beyond traditional classroom instruction.
Over the next month, our students will take ownership of the sample-processing work and share their findings with UCF. We look forward to seeing what they learn throughout the process and how this experience continues to inspire their curiosity about the world around them.
At Burns Sci-Tech, we are proud to provide learning experiences that challenge students to think like scientists, explore real-world questions, and discover the impact they can have beyond the classroom.
UCF 2026:
