Sara Velardi, a PhD candidate in Environmental and Natural Resources Policy at SUNY College of Environmental Sciences, will lead a discussion aimed at middle school students about genetically modified organisms from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the MOST, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse.

“Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been a popular topic in mass media today, with opponents and supporters passionately stating their arguments for or against them,” Velardi said. “In this talk we will discuss the many sides of the coin in the debate surrounding GMOs and if we will expect to see a GMO label on our food in the future.”

Junior Café Scientifique is sponsored by the Technology Alliance of Central New York (TACNY), and usually held on the third Saturday of the month during the school year at the MOST. A light breakfast is provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. The event is free, but TACNY asks that you RSVP to jrcafe@tacny.org. After the event, participants are welcome to explore the museum at half-price: $6 for adults and $5 for children 2-11