The insights and innovations of science research students in the Massapequa School District were on display the evening of May 26 as they shared their work with educators and parents. The annual Science Research Symposium took place at Massapequa High School, featuring more than 80 projects completed by students in grades 8-12.
Daniel Mezzafonte, curriculum associate for science 6-12, welcomed students, parents and teachers during a presentation in the auditorium. He noted that the number of students involved in science research has more than doubled – from 62 to 168 – in the past five years. It is a testament to the enthusiasm and passion that students bring to scientific inquiry, he said.
“Once again, it has been an incredibly exciting and rewarding year for Massapequa science research,” Mr. Mezzafonte said. “Our program continues to grow and flourish, driven by the hard work, curiosity and dedication of our students, under the expert guidance of their skilled and committed research teachers.”
Students participated in several competitions this year including Long Island Science Congress, the New York State Science and Engineering Fair and the Kathy Belton Science Fair at Molloy University. They have also conducted science research through partnerships with Brookhaven National Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
This year, research students did much investigation in the field of genetics. They extracted DNA from wheat germ, observed mutant organisms, constructed DNA models, genetically engineered bacteria, created DNA barcodes, conducted bioinformatic analyses and sequenced genes using cutting-edge DNA nanopore technology. They also took part in the Day in the Life of a River study at the Massapequa Preserve, an annual program dedicated to assessing the health and natural biodiversity of the local ecosystem.
The presentation featured four student speakers. Kira Cutler and Ava La Douceur discussed their project on microplastics, Veronica Scherer shared her research on degrading polyvinyl chloride plastic, and Victoria Ehrhardt talked about her work studying nitrogen fixation.
In the cafeteria, students from science research classes at Berner Middle School and the high school’s Ames and main campuses shared their posterboard presentations from their independent projects. They engaged in dialogue about their research with Massapequa Board of Education trustees, administrators, teachers and parents.
Science research was completed under the tutelage of teachers Paul Hesleitner and Carrie Kaplun at the main campus, August Eberling at the Ames Campus and Joseph Laricchiuta at Berner.