Fourteen eighth grade technology students attended the 2025 MagLev competition at Brookhaven National Laboratory on March 26.

James Baggiano, Brooke Benson, Mason Brand, Emma Finnegan, Olivia Menekon, Cole Monz, Sophia Olivio, Jacob Pendzick, Ralph Perez, Gia Poetta, Skyler Spence, Michael Williamson, Jared Wood and Sean Yantsos and teacher David Driscoll participated in the event with their constructed vehicles built to travel the 16-foot course length using methods of speed, capacity and cost.

“The students did a great job designing and building their vehicles,” Mr. Driscoll said.

One of the lessons learned at the event was that the fastest time does not always win; and that’s when the importance of the students’ design portfolio comes into play.

The students had to write down what they did or found in each step to help learn from their work as well as helping the competition judges understand the design approach. They were encouraged to add tables, charts, drawings and more to help readers understand their process.

 

Click here to view the Prodell Students Compete at Maglev Competition slideshow.

 

Date Added: 4/1/2025

Wading River School fifth graders deepened critical thinking skills when classroom lessons were reinforced with a visit from Starlab. Here Mrs. Roberts class just exited the portable planetarium with renewed curiosity, while empowering scientific literacy.

Date Added: 4/1/2025

Shoreham-Wading River High School students Anna Minetti and Julianna O'Neill were among the top 40% of participants in this year's New York State Science and Engineering Fair invited back after their Round 1 video submission to present in person for Round 2 at the New York Hall of Science.

The student scientists each presented data collected through the SPARK collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory. According to Science Research teacher Mrs. Dana Schaefer, Anna's project highlighted the use of lichens as bioindicators of microplastic types in the air. Julianna's project focused on characterizing the different types of microplastics and their associated heavy metals in tissue from the Eastern Mudsnail in a New York salt marsh.

Julianna’s project earned her the honor of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, which automatically enters her into a competition for students “who have developed research projects that can help solve major water challenges.”

Date Added: 4/1/2025

Albert G. Prodell Middle School seventh graders collaborated with librarian Mrs. Kalin to explore the 1960s in a dynamic library-based learning experience, customized BreakOut challenge that set the stage for historical investigation.

Mrs. Mohabir’s and Ms. Matera’s students continued the week-long project in the library, investigating the 1960s through the Virtual Reference Center and applying information literacy skills in preparation for reading S.E. Hinton's “The Outsiders.”

Problem-solving puzzles were also used with Ms. Fallon's eighth graders. Students applied a similar investigative approach to their World War II unit, utilizing their comprehensive class notes to navigate a specialized BreakOut experience that challenged their historical knowledge and research skills. Many eighth graders distinguished themselves during this activity, earning the memorable title of “Lock Stars” as they demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities and deep understanding of the historical content.

Click here to view the Prodell’s Lock Stars! slideshow.

 

Date Added: 3/31/2025

Seniors Giovanni Lombardi, Aidan Morrison, Liam McQuade and Andrew Wicks participated in the MathWorks Modelling Challenge.  This real-world application question is unknown to the students until they download it. They then have 14 hours to collaboratively research and propose a solution. 

Their task? To harness their math, research and teamwork skills to analyze temperature trends, predict power demand and identify the populations most at risk. The goal: help governments and communities strategically allocate resources to effectively manage heat waves and avoid power outages.

“These students have demonstrated an impressive level of ambition to challenge themselves by seeking out opportunities where they can apply their academic skills to practical applications,” math teacher Ellen Fraser said.

Date Added: 3/31/2025