Seaford Middle-Schoolers Shine At Science Fair: PHOTOS

SEAFORD, NY — Seaford Middle School's annual science fair has added a new dimension that incorporates all aspects of science, technology, engineering and math.

The after-school event Feb. 6 featured presentations by students who have been studying STEM for several weeks. The voluntary fair was open to all students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade. Middle school and high school science teachers were joined by administrators, parents and siblings in talking to the young scientists about their projects.

Eighth graders Justin Cettina and Ryan D'Orio, who have worked together on science experiments during all three years of middle school, analyzed water from several sources as part of this year’s topic, water quality. The duo tested their home faucets, the middle school water fountain, rain, a local pond, filtered water and bottled water. Justin and Ryan took first place among eighth graders.

"It's cool to do experiments from questions that we have," Ryan said.

Meanwhile, seventh graders Nadia Matos and Rachel Schnaier teamed up to study climate change. Specifically: its effect on marine life. The two studied how chemicals affect water, placing seashells into both water and vinegar. They found that vinegar causes some shells to disintegrate.

Nick DeLeo designed a virtual reality headset while Megan Reder and Kylie Silverstein partnered to build a prosthetic arm. Science fair coordinator Roseann Zeblisky said that these engineering-based projects that foster the "inventive spirit" are exactly what she sought from students in expanding the scope of the event.

Emily Richardson took the top spot among seventh graders for her project looking at the effect a bike helmet has on its ability to prevent head trauma. Jackie Bodycomb and Ella Tietz won the STEM category for their rain gutter turbine. The winners are now eligible to enter the annual Nassau Community College Honors Program Science Fair Competition.