The fourth, fifth and sixth graders at Woodhull Intermediate School are a happy and proud group. They always stand tall and have never been overshadowed by anyone at any other school. This year’s science expo offered more evidence to support that simple fact.
Woodhull students developed dozens of interesting projects that covered a wide realm of areas. Judging the work was nearly impossible.
Teachers selected the top projects submitted by their students and Huntington’s Director of STEM Jill Johanson met with the youngsters and reviewed their work individually, asking questions, clarifying the procedures that were utilized and studying the findings.
The first place tri-fold project on each of the grade levels will advance to Brookhaven National Lab’s annual elementary science fair set for May.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the depth and overall quality of the projects that our students developed for this year’s expo,” Woodhull Principal Traci Roethel said. “Their efforts were exceptional and their work was presented in a clear and attractive way. All of them did a great job.”
First and second place and honorable mention awards were presented on each of the three grade levels:
Fourth grade honorees include:
First place: Isabella Goutevenier
Second place: Jake Chiclacos
Fifth grade honorees include:
First place: Jessica Lee
Second place: Jaipreet Singh
Sixth grade honorees include:
First place: Ronnie Carrillo
Second place: Caitlin Maher Dubnau
“The Woodhull Science Expo was a different event than in years past,” Mrs. Johanson said. “This year students had more choice about what they could do. They could do an individual traditional science fair experiment and make a tri-fold board; they could do a group experiment or they could engineer a product, either individually or in teams. For their presentation, they could do a variety of things besides a tri-fold board, which many chose to do. Students also did Buncee slides, websites and models and some groups made up quizzes, etc.”
The engineering category, featured roller coasters, solar ovens, robotic hands, a vending machine, a whole amusement park with moving parts, a wheelbarrow and ball launchers, to name just a few.
The Brookhaven National Lab’s science fair is slated for Saturday, May 4 in Upton. It is expected to attract about 500 projects from Suffolk elementary school students ranging from kindergarten through sixth grade. One winner for each grade level will be awarded a medal and a banner, which can be hung in the school gym.
