Kids Design Models Of Future Cities With Help From NYU
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Young students are putting their minds to the test by designing model cities that are more livable, efficient and sustainable.
As CBS 2's Alice Gainer reported Friday, 54 middle schoolers are part of the Science of Smart Cities Program. Their task? Create more resilient cities.
"It's a vertical greenhouse, so it wouldn't take up so much space," one student said.
"If something is gonna happen you switch it up and you'll be safe from whatever is happening," said another student.
"Since our city is prone to earthquakes, we decided to come up with an overground train system," one girl told Gainer.
"This is in the air so that it doesn't cause any traffic here, its elevated," another girl explained further.
In addition to the cities themselves, the kids have also been coming up with interactive devices, including an anti-collision car aimed at improving transportation, Gainer reported.
"It's a good way to introduce lots of different engineering disciplines in the context of urban development and urban area where these kids live," said Ben Esner, director of STEM Education at NYU.
So while their classmates spend time at the pool and beaches this summer, this group is busy learning from NYU Engineering students.
"Even though my friends are out having fun, I'd rather be here learning something new," said 12-year-old Jaczmine Green.
"I thought this program was a great experience for me since I want to go into engineering when I get older," said 13-year-old Jae Laydonmartin.
The program is in its third year. The students had to apply and be selected for the course. Many are from under-served central Brooklyn schools.
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