New learning standards at science fair

Fourth- and fifth-grade students at Glen Cove’s Connolly School participated in a science fair last month, which was scheduled to coincide with the newly released New York State Science Learning Standards that emphasize using scientific phenomena to engage students.  

The science fair was a culminating project in a six-week scientific inquiry unit designed by the district’s science coordinator, Alexa Doeschner, in consultation with Connolly School Principal Julie Mullan. Doeschner prepared more than 100 science kits for teachers to use within their classrooms.

Mullan and Doeschner facilitated meetings that helped teachers get acquainted with the new approach. The new curriculum called on teachers to take a step back from direct teaching, and instead guide students through the inquiry

process. 

Students had the opportunity to engage in scientific inquiry from beginning to end. They worked together to develop their own questions and hypotheses, designed and conducted experiments, collected and interpreted data, and ultimately, came to a conclusion. Students then presented their projects at the science fair, where their work was graded by district administrators.

Community members, including parents and Board of Education Trustees Amy Franklin and Monica Alexandris-Miller showed their support for the students’ hard work. The children were clearly proud of their projects and enthusiastically shared their accomplishments.

— Zach Gottehrer Cohen