Gardens, Bridges, and Fireworks!

Scientist Maker Club’s “Summer of Science” Issue #2

This week, we’re zooming in on the science of NYC – taking a closer look at the East Village’s vibrant community gardens, the secrets of the Brooklyn Bridge’s design, and the chemistry behind July 4th fireworks. We’re also spotlighting Brooklyn-based educator and storyteller, Ms. Oumou Kaba!

Hands-on activities and a summer scavenger hunt recs included!

Your Backyard Science 🌻

This week, we’re spotlighting the East Village, known for its delicious bakeries and amazing gardens full of life and color.

From the 1930s to 1960s, parks were planned with little community input until locals began transforming vacant lots into small neighborhood parks. By 1978, the city launched GreenThumb to support these efforts with tools, seeds, and gardening lessons.

Every garden tells its own story:

• La Plaza Cultural: A man-made pond, solar panels, and recycled plastic art.

• Green Oasis: A stage for shows and a koi pond.

• Down to Earth Garden: Composting and the bokashi method help plants thrive.

Seen a hidden garden gem? Snap a pic and tag #ScientistMakerNYC so we can feature your discovery!

Zoom Out: The Science Around Us 🔍

Have you ever walked the Brooklyn Bridge and wondered: how does it hold us all up? It’s a marvel of science and engineering.

Look up at the cables between the towers. Where does the bridge begin and end? That part is called the anchorage, and it holds the strong metal pieces that anchor the cables.

Check out the towers. When they were built, they were the tallest structures in NYC! Creator Roebling used a new design called the caisson – a giant bell-shaped structure sunk into the river so workers could dig down to bedrock. The caissons are still there today, holding the bridge steady.

Jump in and join the fun! 

1. Grab your favorite art supplies and explore both the Brooklyn and Manhattan sides of the bridge. Share a picture of your masterpiece to #ScientistMakerNYC and email us for a chance to win a Scientist Maker T-shirt!

2. Try your own caisson! Brooklyn Boatworks demonstrates how the caisson creates an air pocket for workers to go below water and dig away slippery stones. 

3. BONUS: The Macy’s Fireworks will be lighting up the East River this year, often having fireworks shoot off directly from the Bridge. Consider taking your walk on the 4th to get a good view! 

In the Know: July 4th Fireworks 🎆

July 4th is just around the corner and you know what that means: FIREWORKS! Macy’s will light up the East River with 11 new effects, 30 colors, and designs that burst 1,000 feet in the sky.

 Did you know?

• Fireworks originated in China and were used to ward off evil spirits.

• Firework colors come from metal elements that release energy as light.

• Sounds are created by gases and chemical layers:

  • Aluminum or iron flakes = hissing or sizzling

  • Titanium powder = loud blasts

Try this at home: Make your own (safe!) bottle rocket. Share your launch with #ScientistMakerNYC!

Local Spotlight: Q&A with Oumou Kaba 🧬

We chatted with Oumou Kaba, an educator and storyteller from Brooklyn and deeply passionate about children’s film and animation as tools for learning. As a first-generation West African woman, she’s committed to creating joyful, culturally grounded spaces where young people especially Black girls—can see themselves as thinkers, creators, and leaders in the world of science and beyond. Here’s a snapshot of our convo!

1. What’s something in your neighborhood that’s sparked curiosity for you?
   A small community garden in my neighborhood constantly sparks my curiosity. Seeing it flourish between concrete buildings makes me wonder about the unseen ecosystems, soil chemistry, and care that allow it to thrive raising questions about sustainability and environmental justice in city spaces.

   Have you ever had a moment when the city itself felt like a science classroom?
   Yes—New York City is full of teachable moments. Something as simple as noticing how the scent of the streets shifts throughout the day, based on food vendors, weather, or traffic, reveals a living lesson in chemistry, biology, and environmental science. The city invites constant observation and wonder.

   How can Scientist Maker help NYC students and families see themselves as scientists in their own communities?
   Scientist Maker can help by centering students’ lived experiences and cultural knowledge as valid forms of scientific inquiry. Whether it's the science of hair care, the engineering behind a double dutch rope, or the environmental impact of street design, the key is showing youth that science isn’t just in textbooks—it’s in their homes, neighborhoods, and daily lives. By making science feel personal, visible, and creative, we can inspire a new generation to see themselves as makers, problem-solvers, and scientists already in action.

We Want to Know ⁉️

At Scientist Maker, we value the scientific method: observe, ask, solve, collect data, and share. As we explore NYC together, tell us:

1. What questions do you have about science?

2. Have you spotted something science-related in your neighborhood that sparks curiosity?

3. 📸 Snap a photo and send us your question. Our team will find the answer together!

Bonus Scavenger Hunt: Garden Edition 🎯

Take a mini-expedition to your closest community garden and find:

• 🌳 A treehouse

• 🐦 A bird feeder

• 🥕🥬🍅 3 vegetables (draw one!)

• 🐝 A beehive

• 💧 A rainwater system

• 🌼🌸🌺 3 different flowers

  📸 Snap a family photo, share your hunt with #ScientistMakerNYC and email us for a chance to win a Scientist Maker T-shirt!

That’s a wrap for Issue #2! Thanks for exploring NYC science with us. Have feedback or want to share an idea for Issue #3? We’d love to hear it! Email us at info@GlobalTinker.com with your thoughts.

Happy exploring!