The Science Research Club (SRC) hosted the first annual Elementary Science and Engineering Fair at Farmingdale High School. On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, six students from several of our Elementary Schools participated in a student-driven science fair. The SRC was started in the high school three years ago by Mr. Sayers, and the mission of the Science Research Club is to spark interest in science for students around the school, district, and community; and, to create opportunities where students of all ages can explore science in a safe and welcoming environment.
Elementary students were paired with High School mentors to work on science projects of interest. Over the course of several months, the mentors coordinated with the parents of the elementary students to meet and help the young scientists to design and implement experimental and engineering projects. The five experiments and one engineering project were as follows:
- The Effect of Temperature on a Magnet’s Strength Sean Manandhar (Albany Avenue) Mentor Senior Melissa Treulich
- Food for Beans James Shapiro (Albany Avenue) Mentor Junior Jaylyn Umana
- Uncovering the Dirt on Seed Size Santino Esposito (Northside) Mentor Senior Cyrus Abraham
- Plant Food Amelia Contardo (Albany Avenue) Mentor Freshman Brayden Cinelli
- Crystallography Samiyah Clare (Albany Avenue) Mentor Senior Julia Rodriguez
- Water Bottle Car (Engineering) Grant Jones (Albany Avenue) Mentor Senior Kevin Pham
Each of these projects demonstrated passion, thoughtfulness and creativity. SRC President Danny Lian announced the 1st and 2nd place in Science to Santino Esposito and Samyiah Clare and 1st place in Engineering to Grant Jones. All students received a medal, ribbon, and certificate to commemorate their participation in this event. To see these wonderful posters, come to the Elementary STEAM Night taking place on Tuesday, March 19th at 6:30pm in the high school commons. More information about next year’s Science and Engineering Fair will be forthcoming, so keep an eye out for those announcements.