Ready, Set, Science: Seaford Seventh Graders Test Hypotheses In Science Fair

SEAFORD, NY. — 116 projects lined the Seaford Middle School gym Thursday, Dec. 4 as enterprising seventh graders presented their projects to classmates and families as part of the school science fair.

The science fair was conducted under the guidance of science teachers Sarah Brand and Roseann Zeblisky, and gave students the challenge of following the scientific method to its conclusion. Whether it was the melting speed of chocolate and frozen foods, the bounce of tennis balls at different temperatures or the effect of video games on eyesight, Seaford seventh graders used the science fair to tackle the questions that they face every day.

“We want to give them the opportunity to feel like scientists and choose something
of interest to them,” Zeblisky said. “Our goal is to inspire them in science and nurture
their curiosities.”

Students had the opportunity to work independently or with partners, experimenting outside class then using in-class time to pursue guidance and advice from their teachers. In the end, the projects were displayed on posterboards in the gym.

“The students were so excited,” Brand said. “They got to take ownership of their
projects and produce work they could be proud of.”

Projects received judgment from two teams this year, one red and one blue. The red team awarded first place to John Egan for his presentation, “Is Your Internet Browser Scamming You?” Receiving first prize from the blue team were Parker Matulewicz and Samantha Kelly, for their study, “Bioplastic vs. Plastics.” Second place was taken home by Kevin Whidden and the duo of Logan Siegel and Michael Saracco, while third place was won by Keith Kern and Carlo Valerio and Angela O’Brien.