Moriches, NY - October 28, 2014 - In collaboration with the William Floyd School District STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Program, students at Moriches Elementary School have been learning about science in a new, hands-on approach through the implementation of elementary school science labs. Under the direction of a school STEM Inquiry Team consisting of teachers and administrators, students are participating in actual hands-on laboratory experiments where they can apply the scientific method. One such experiment is centered around popping various types of popcorn.
“The STEM Labs at Moriches Elementary School provide an opportunity for students to engage in hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that are generating enthusiasm and knowledge of STEM for students and teachers,” said Dr. Amy Meyer, STEM Educator, William Floyd School District. “We really want students to gain an understanding of why science is so important in our everyday lives.”
To help kick off the opening of these science labs, kindergarten- and first-grade students welcomed Dr. Aleida Perez, a virologist from Brookhaven National Laboratory. Dr. Perez spoke about the importance of science, what it takes to be a scientist and the tools that she uses in her work. Afterward, students had the opportunity to take an up-close look at some of those tools.
Pictured: Moriches Elementary School students Tristan Nash (at the microscope) and Josiah Lors from Ms. Shari Costello’s first-grade class enjoy gazing into the microscopic world.