Science Stars registration is open.

Each day students will perform experiments, conduct research, make art projects, and collect data as they explore the local environment.

Possible Activities (Grades 2-5)

Rocky Intertidal Zone Exploration

A whole hidden world awaits along the shores of Long Island Sound! The rocks revealed by low tide are home to some amazing animals. Learn about what it takes to survive “in between the tides,” and what sorts of creatures we might find. Explore this habitat, seeking out these animals where they hide. Examine your catch – what did we find? Tally the results – do all these animals belong? And if not, where did they come from?

Soil filtration

At SoundWaters, we learn all about the Long Island Sound. So why should we investigate the land? Find out why! The land surrounding the Sound has a critical role to play in maintaining the health of the entire ecosystem. Collect soil samples, test and examine your findings, and use the soil itself to clean (yes, clean!) a sample of “polluted” water. How much pollution can you remove? What does that mean about our watershed? And why is this so important for our own use of water?

Team Building

At SoundWaters, we work best as a team! Have fun learning how to work together with your peers to be the first to complete a task. Students will work through a series of team building activities designed to increase communication, reasoning and listening skills.

Possible Activities (Grades 6-8)

Bio-Engineering lab

Through a bio-engineering experiment students will conduct an in-depth examination of the horseshoe crab’s anatomy. They will observe the adaptations the horseshoe crab has made that has allowed this species to survive for so long.

Research -Water Analysis

Maintaining healthy water conditions in the Long Island Sound is critical to a thriving ecosystem – how does our local water measure up? Students will use advanced testing equipment to explore the unseen but essential factors in Long Island Sound. Is there enough oxygen in the water for creatures to breathe? Are there invisible pollutants threatening our food chain from the bottom up? How is climate change affecting our local environment?  Are waste products traveling across the land, only to end up in the water? And what can we do to help?

Guest Speakers

Each day, the Science Stars hear from an adult professional in a STEM-related field.  The guest speaker will talk about opportunities in science for women and men and bring a project that challenges students to observe, analyze and experiment.

2024 Guest Speakers:

• Anne Larson, Spot On Veterinary Hospital
• Jamie Zaccaria, Communications Lead, Ocean Exploration Trust (EV Nautilus)
• Jennifer Dupont, Head of Permitting and Environment, Offshore Wind Projects America
• Katlyn Tracey, Director of Project Engineering, Pavarini
• Angelica Hermanto, Electrical Engineer, Altieri
• Katie Boback, Chloe Marchigano, and Kelly Lesnik, SoundWaters Educators