Ackerman Wins Brookhaven Lab Science Fair
He may be just a little fellow, but Riley Ackerman knows a thing or two about science. The Flower Hill School kindergarten student won first place in the Brookhaven National Laboratory's annual elementary school science fair.
Mr. Ackerman's project involved a study of whether a heavier hen lays a larger or heavier egg compared to a smaller hen. The Huntington School District entered winning projects from each of the district's four primary school science fairs and the first and second place finishers in the Woodhull Intermediate School fair.
"We are very proud of Riley for this wonderful achievement," Flower Hill Principal Marlon Small said. "I am thankful to his parents and teachers for all the support they provided. The entire Flower Hill school community celebrates with him and wishes him continued success."
Woodhull sixth grader Rachel Roday earned honorable mention recognition in her division, which is no small feat considering the quality of projects in the competition.
This year's fair drew 550 entries from 118 Suffolk schools spread across 42 separate school districts. Brookhaven scientists and Suffolk elementary school teachers judged the projects, which ranged from the effect of oil on aquatic plants to surviving a Long Island tornado.
One first place winner was selected for each grade level, kindergarten through sixth grade, along with several honorable mention awards. The fair drew hundreds of students, parents and teachers. It was coordinated by the Brookhaven Lab's Office of Educational Programs.
"Established in 1947 on Long Island, Upton, New York, Brookhaven is a multi-program national laboratory operated by Brookhaven Science Associates for the U.S. Department of Energy," according to the BNL website. "Seven Nobel Prizes have been awarded for discoveries made at the Lab. Brookhaven has a staff of approximately 3,000 scientists, engineers, technicians and support staff and over 4,000 guest researchers annually. The Lab's role for is to produce excellent science and advanced technology with the cooperation, support, and appropriate involvement of our scientific and local communities."