They’ve been to the Middle East and space. Now, the World Affairs Council takes on something entirely new: the environment.

The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh sponsors annual events at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh where professionals on a given topic are invited in to speak to high school students.

According to social studies teacher Mr. Scott Hazuda, who accompanied the five Beaver Area sophomores to the event, they had a good experience.

"The students had a very illuminating experience; they said they really enjoyed it," commented Mr. Hazuda.

The experience also proved quite eye-opening for those in attendance November 13.

"I really learned a lot about how climate change is affecting the planet. There was one speaker who told us specifically about the effects of climate change on countries around the world," said sophomore Ryan Kenney.

"The speakers were really interesting, I learned a lot from the first speaker who was a geneticist. She talked a lot about the future of genetics," said sophomore Kristoff Purtell.

Usually, students in the sophomore International Studies 1 courses get the opportunity to attend, but the trips also are open to a few other invited students.