Rhinebeck Science Foundation

Innovation HubThe Innovation HUB created a collaborative space in the Rhinebeck High School for students to think critically and take risks to problem-solve responsibly with new technologies that engage students in a process oriented in principles of design thinking. This gives students a chance to innovate, create, collaborate, explore, experiment, invent and learn through play as they engage with a variety of tools and technology. Some students are using VEX EXP Robotic kits and Spike Prime Lego kits to design and create their own robots. And the set crew has 3-D printed the props for the school play. The Hub is open to all students at community lunch, as well as being used by some classroom teachers.

Water FountainGrant was created by a team of 7th-8th graders, working with Rhinebeck Mayor Gary Bassett as part of a middle school civics elective to come up with a climate-smart solution to add accessible drinking water for the school district and village. Their work required learning a significant amount about water pipes, and civil engineering as well as design. RSF funded a significant amount toward the completion of the project, but the village contributed as well as some crowd-sourced funding.

Grants for climate change initiatives, biomimicry lesson, 8th grade day of science at Bard College, and funding for several STEM related field trips.