Wading River School students showcased their curiosity, creativity and scientific thinking during the school’s Elementary Science Fair on March 11. Young scientists in grades 3-5 proudly presented projects that explored a wide range of topics – from the efficacy of hand sanitizer to water clarity. Display boards filled the gymnasium as student explained their hypotheses, methods and results to volunteer high school judges and faculty, thus demonstrating their understanding of the scientific process. Only one student from each grade was selected to represent Shoreham-Wading River Central School District at the annual Brookhaven National Laboratory Science Fair on May 16, 2026. 

“The science fair provided the students with an opportunity to ask questions, conduct experiments and share their discoveries with classmates, teachers and families,” Principal Louis Parrinello said. “The science fair also assists the students in developing important skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking as they explore scientific concepts.” 

The Elementary Science Fair continues to be a highlight of the school year and inspires students to explore the world and foster a lifelong interest in science. 

Congratulations to the following science fair representatives: 

Grant Austin – grade 3 – “Battle of the Baseball Bats” – teacher Nicole Virdone 

Evan Loughlin – grade 4 – “Man vs. Machine” – teacher Kellie McGuire  

Nicholas Merced – grade 5 – “The Effect of Distraction Reaction Time” – teacher Christine Mangelli      

 

Honorable Mention Projects: 

Melody Ameneiros (grade 5) – “Do Drivers Really Stop?” – teacher Nicole Bianco 

Everett Bannon (grade 5) – “How Does Increasing the Number of Filtration Layers Affect 

 Water  Clarity?” –  teacher Christine Mangelli 

Avery Blanchard (grade 3) – “How Does A Cat’s Sense of Touch Influence Its Behavior?” –  

teacher Kelly Ryan-Jimenez 

Lyla Carbone and Emelia Sarcone (grade 5) – “Energy Pro’s, Who Saves the Most?” – 

teacher Karla Roberts 

Alexa Castro (grade 4) – “Clean Air, Clean Water” – teacher Kellie McGuire  

Jackson Fitzgerald (grade 5) – “The Science of a Better Hit” – teacher Karla Roberts 

Jackson Hepburn (grade 3) – “Does Surface Area Affect Reaction Rate” – teacher Jill 

Stevenson/Jennifer Simicich 

Christopher Herr and Jackson McCarrick (grade 5) – “Music and Athlete Success” –  

Teacher  Nicole Bianco 

Elizabeth Lewin (grade 3) – “Battle of the Bottles” – teacher Sarah Salvador 

Faye Regini (grade 3) – “Sharktober” – teacher Nicole Virdone 

Brayden Stroh (grade 4) – “Battle of the Bottles” – teacher Gavin Melandro 

Thomas Wesnofske (grade 3) – “Where Do Germs Hide the Most on Your Hands?” – teacher Kelly Ryan-Jimenez