STEAM News

Calhoun Code Crackers Earn First Place at kidOYO Hackathon

On May 31, the Calhoun High School Code Crackers showcased their exceptional skills at Bethpage High School, securing a resounding victory at the 6th Annual kidOYO Code Conquest Hackathon.
Competing against 18 schools from across Long Island, including the Mepham Programmin' Pirates and the Kennedy Coding Cougars, the team secured an impressive first place victory, highlighting their exceptional talent and teamwork.
Coached by Calhoun Math and Computer Science teacher Caitlin Greubel, the team was led by junior captain Zach Sirof, whose leadership was instrumental in guiding his teammates to success. The team members included senior Jack Risolo, juniors Jonah Fine and Eray Yavuz, sophomores Ryan Levinter and Judah Parker, and freshmen Sid Wickramasinghe and Gavin Jiang.
This group combined their skills and knowledge to create innovative and engaging programs during the intense three-hour competition.
“Throughout the event,the Calhoun Code Crackers worked collaboratively to gain points and capture territories on an interactive map themed around Thailand,” explained Greubel. “This competition not only involves coding, but also strategic planning and problem-solving. Their hard work paid off, earning them the top spot and the honor of hosting next year’s Hackathon.”
The victory was a testament to the team's dedication, creativity, and the fun they had working together all year to prepare.
“We look forward to seeing what they will accomplish next year as they defend their title at the 7th Annual kidOYO Code Conquest Hackathon,” said Danielle Caliendo, Ed.D. district chairperson of Mathematics & Computer Science.

Date Added: 6/17/2024

CHSD Hosts Inaugural STEAM Expo

Students in grade six throughout the four elementary school districts that feed into the Central High School District, as well as current middle schoolers, were invited to an interactive STEAM Expo on Jan. 31.

Held at Merrick Avenue Middle School, visitors tried their hands on activities such as coding a NAO Robot with Python, navigating Sphero bots, operating VEX robots, working with digital drawing and design, trying out a green screen and more.

Organized by Kennedy High School Science and District STEM Chairperson Rob Soel and Mathematics & Computer Science Chairperson Danielle Caliendo, teachers and administrators from the mathematics, computer science and science departments each had students on hand to demonstrate unique course offerings, clubs and other co-curriculars at the secondary level.

“Our goal was to create an interactive showcase of all Bellmore-Merrick STEAM-related programs, courses, and extracurricular activities, providing the sixth grade and middle school students with the opportunity to explore STEAM fields,” explained Caliendo. “It was a great event to bring together the entire community from elementary to high school.”

Girls Who Code Form Group at Kennedy

A group of students at Kennedy High School who share a passion for coding formed a school club last year, dubbed Girls Who Code.

Faculty adviser and computer science teacher Carla Petroro oversees activities that are planned by four board members.

At their Jan. 11 meeting, board members Jaclyn Cohen and Cailyn Puig explained specific checklist of items for attendees to create a Scratch game. These included loops and variables such as scoring and restart options and conditionals such as winning messages, thus ending the game.

“I have learned more about myself through this club,” Puig said. “I enjoy learning the activities ahead of the meetings and find it encouraging and fun to help others execute their coding skills.”

Goals of the club include helping students further their knowledge of computer science, software development, and games design. No prior knowledge of coding is required to join their monthly meetings. While members do not compete as a club, individual students have enrolled in Hackathons.

CHSD Launches Artificial Intelligence Elective

The district’s new elective course, artificial intelligence with Python, is underway at Calhoun High School.

This is a new, one-year course for upper grades students covers the basic principles of artificial intelligence through exposure to machine learning algorithms in Python.

“We started this course because introducing Python and concepts of artificial intelligence in high school prepares students for college courses and careers in STEM,” explained Danielle Caliendo, a math and computer science chairperson.“It also equips them with the skills necessary for today's world, where artificial intelligence is shaping the way we live and work.”

Teacher David Hendler is currently working on a Chatbot unit.

“We first go through the components of drones, how they work, putting them together and safety precautions before we start flying,” he noted.

Zach Sirof, a junior interested in pursuing computer science or mechanical engineering in college, said he has always been interested in coding but had never been exposed to AI.

“Before the drones, we worked on Chatbotcreating atic tac toe game, where I can basically play against the computer,” he explained. “With the algorithm we made, the computer will always beat you or tie.”

Under a curriculum created by Long Island University, students can obtain college credit from the university. This class is considered a magnet offering, held during first period so that students from the district’s other high schools can also enroll.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 1/16/2024

Five CHSD Students Named Regeneron Scholars

Three seniors from Mepham High School and two from Kennedy High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District were named Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars on Jan. 10.

This is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. They are among 300 students chosen nationwide for this distinction.

The scholars completed three years of independent research in their respective school’s Advanced Science Research Program.

At Mepham, Christiana Foufas, who is also the class of 2024 valedictorian, investigated Adapting to Pressure: The Bone Structure-Function Relationship in the Rabbit Talus, while salutatorian Matt Yang, studied the MultiFormer: Single-Cell ATAC to RNA Prediction Framework, and Molly Graff worked on Think Fast: An Assessment of Cognitive Processing in Relation to Smartphone Proximity.

Their teachers are Dr. David Kommor, Neeru Partap and Jeannettee Spargifiore.

“This honor exemplifies the unwavering commitment to excellence and tireless efforts both they and their teachers display on a daily basis,” noted Heather Bizewski, a science chairperson assigned to Mepham. “Their work has elevated the entire educational community here at Mepham. We are so very proud of our students and their teachers on this remarkable accomplishment. It is a testament to their passion, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. We applaud their achievements and look forward to witnessing their continued success as they inspire others to reach new heights.”

Kennedy’s Cole Wasserman, also the class of 2024 salutatorian, investigated APC-Mediated Expansion of hPSC-Derived Natural Killer Cells, while Claire Schwartz focused on The Administration of Sulforaphane via Broccoli Sprouts Ameliorates Parkinson's Disease Phenotypes in a Drosophila melanogaster Model.

Their teachers are Barbi Frank and Alexis Vandergoot.

“Their research findings are novel and make meaningful contributions to medical research within the scientific community,” added Robert Soel, science chairperson assigned to Kennedy and the district’s STEM chairperson.

“They have consistently demonstrated grit, academic talent, and passion for their independent science research projects. Our ASR seniors are innovative young scientist who serve as role models for all the students.”

Each of the Regeneron Scholars is awarded $2,000 for themselves and $2,000 to support science and research at their respective schools.

From that select pool of scholars, 40 student finalists to be selected on Jan. 24 are invited to participate in final judging, display their work to the public, meet with notable scientists and compete for awards, including the top award of $250,000.

Success at Summer STEAM Camp

The district’s summer STEAM Camp, a two-week session offered to rising eighth and ninth graders in the CHSD, was a success.

“It is amazing how much the students have learned and accomplished over two weeks,” said Danielle Caliendo, a district chairperson for Mathematics and Computer Science.

Ninth graders showcased their skills on the VEX VR fields, while the eighth graders were impressive on the VEX IQ fields.

“We are incredibly proud of the progress each camper has made and the friendships they have formed,” added Caliendo. “We hope that they continue on their STEAM journey through the many clubs and courses Bellmore-Merrick has to offer.”

Coding teachers:Dan Stigliz and Rob Walsh

Robotics teachers: Ed Catapano and Deanna Ocampo

Volunteers: Ella Cullen, Sara Maltempi, Marci Baldinger, Jayden Simon, Justin Barrera, Matthew Stone, Ryan Kenny, Ryan Levinter, Joe Andreano and Zach Sirof.

The camp concluded with a BMCHSD Summer STEAM camp Hackathon, where four teams competed in a series of coding challenges using Hatch, Python, Sprite Editor and other tools they learned.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

ROBOTICS COMPETITION

VEX IQ Winners:

Alina Weng

Matteo Cajiao

Elizabeth Califano

Sam Weinstein

Design Award:

Arianna DiLorenzo

Adriana Poveromo

Jolie Spottiswood

VEX V5 Winners:

Lindsay Nashtatik

Jeremiah Cruz Sanjines

Design Award:

Jeremy Dang

Seth Nevo

Elias Katz

HACKATHON

Winning Team: Sand Under Table

Jeremy Dang

Seth Nevo

Sean Domiano

Arianna DiLorenzo

Adriana Poveromo

Jolie Spottiswood

Kennedy Hosts STEAM Career and College Fair

More than 45 professionals representing various careers were on hand at Kennedy High School’s STEAM Career and College Fair on April 25.

A medical Scrabble tournament and mini robotics competition were also part of the fair.

The winner of the robotics tournament was an alliance between a Kennedy team and a Mepham High School team comprised of juniors and seniors.

Individuals from various careers, organizations and colleges spoke to students and their families about college and career opportunities.

“Students were inspired to learn about the day-to-day experiences of engineers, nurses, architects, pilots, forensic investigators, first responders, doctors, technicians, environmental scientists, and so many more STEAM professions,” explained Robert Soel, the event coordinator and district science/STEAM chairperson.

Students were able to get hands on experiences such as eSports gaming, flight simulation, robots and more.

“Our students were also so engaged and motivated by interactive exhibits that ranged from anatomy and acupuncture displays to fire department rescue robots to flight simulators and coding contests,” added Soel.

Having this network of alumni and local STEAM professionals return every year to share their expertise, passion, and career experiences with students provides an engaging, educational, and enriching experience.

Grand Coders Show off Games at Showcase

Students in Michelle Biancardo’s seventh grade Creative Coding classes at Grand Avenue Middle School used the kidOYO program to create an assortment of vintage inspired video games, such as Space Invaders, Pong and Pac-Man.

Some of their creations were highlighted during the Grand Avenue Gaming Showcase. Seventh grader Colin Cheng created one of the games on display. He coded his own version of Space Invaders.

The showcase took place in the school library during all lunch periods from Dec. 21-22 and students were encouraged to explore and play this collection of games.

Full STEAM Ahead at Grand Avenue’s Art Show

In addition to the hundreds of pieces of talented student artwork on displayed during Grand Avenue Middle School Art Show on May 17, the Art and Robotics clubs collaborated to present an interactive musical drawing.

“Musical drawings are playable graphic scores that can be touched to play melodies and harmonies,” explained Michelle Biancardo, a technology teacher and the Robotics Club adviser.

Graphite pencil acts a conductor of electricity, using the observer as the ground and connection of the music to the artwork itself.

The code, written by seventh-grader Massimo Marino, is the orchestrator of the experience. He used programs such as Scratch and Makey Makey to create the program. A coding enthusiast, Marino used what he learned in Biancardo’s class and on his own to create this masterpiece. The project took more than two day to finish.

“Once completed, it’s interesting to see all of these things working together to create this,” Marino said.

Art Club advisers Nicholas Giordano and Barbara Hirten worked with the students to create a drawing that could be "played " through the use of technology.

“It is an incredible example of STEAM in action,” said Giordano. “They combine visual composition, coding and electronics as well as movement and sound, creating an interactive audiovisual experience.”

Kennedy eSports Receives Gaming PCs Through Grant

After being one of 25 schools nationwide out of 4,000 applicants awarded a grant, the Kennedy High School Esports Team worked with representatives from AMD Processors and Generation eSports to build six high-end gaming computers on Nov. 16.

Generation Esports runs the High School Esports League, the online league that Kennedy and other district eSports clubs play League of Legends, Rocket League, Valorant, and other games in.Esports, or competitive online video games, are a fast-growing industry, with college scholarships and corporate sponsorships for top players with the potential to play in professional leagues.

The equipment is worth approximately $30,000 will be used in gaming competition by the nearly 50 students in the club. The club is advised by James Alford.

Local hot 97 DJ and online influencer, Hip Hop Gamer Gerard Williams, also popped in to engage with students. He works with AMD Processors as a brand ambassador. “I’m loving the energy in here,” he said as he greeted each student. “You all are doing amazing things here.

STEAM Camp Ignites Fun and Creativity

Rising eighth graders in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School district recently participated in a two-week STEAM Summer Camp program. Campers explored and expanded their knowledge of code, design and advanced their skills building VEX IQ robots. STEAM participants spent time each day with coding and robotics teachers to explore various pathways of interest.

A highlight of the two-week camp was the culmination of an exciting Code Conquest hackathon and an in-camp robotics competition that was designed by high school students. Special thanks to teachers Ed Catapano, Deanna Ocampo, Dan Stiglitz and Rob Walsh who provided their expertise throughout this engaging opportunity for students.

Eight Bellmore-Merrick Students Named JSHS Semifinalists

Eight students in the Central High School District have been named semifinalists in the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Tyler Bissoondial, Callie Burns, Matt Cohn, Eric Giannaris, Seth Gorelik, Jacob Kamler and Arjun Maystry of Kennedy High School and Michelle Serban of Calhoun High School competed in the next round on Sunday, Feb. 7.

JSHS is designed to challenge and engage high school students in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Individual students compete for scholarships and recognition by presenting the results of their original research efforts before a panel of judges and an audience of their peers. 

Robotics Team Places 5th in VEX Robotics World Qualifiers

After competing in the New York State level Live Remote Vex Robotics Tournament, Kennedy High School Robotics Team B qualified to advance to the VEX Robotics Live Remote World Championship. 

This was the largest virtual international competition in history. In May 20-22, team members, Brandon Lin, Kai Rodger, James LaSalle and Michael Liu competed in two days of World Championship qualifying matches against teams from schools as far away as California, Texas, South Korea and Australia.

Each live-remote match involved four teams competing in pairs or alliances on camera from their home schools. Students and the alliance teams that they were paired with, chatted via text before the matches began so they could determine a strategy to score points in tandem on the 12' x12' game fields. The matches included an autonomous component in which the robots ran on code that the teams wrote and pre-programed into the robot brains followed by a driver-controlled element in which the robots were driven on the game fields to score points by dropping balls into goals called towers. Judges in Texas scored the matches by watching the events that were streamed on webcams from around the world.

When the world qualifiers were complete, the Kennedy team was in fifth place in their division and named an alliance captain heading into the World Finals. In the finals, the Kennedy Robotics team skillfully advanced to the World Championship semifinal round before being bested by the top team from California.  

Bellmore-Merrick ASR Students Recognized in National REACH Challenge

The REACH Challenge, sponsored by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), is a national STEM competition that invites students to use design thinking and engineering to create assistive technologies that empower individuals with disabilities. The program emphasizes empathy, user-centered design, and innovation for social good.

Overall Winners: The buddyBasket

The team partnered with Axel, a student at the Children’s Learning Center at CP Nassau who has a condition that affects balance and muscle coordination.

To support him, the students designed the buddyBasket, a collapsible chest-level basket secured with backpack-style straps. This innovative assistive device allows Axel to carry supplies, snacks, and personal items without using his hands, giving him the freedom to focus on balance and mobility. The buddyBasket also helps Axel take on responsibilities at school, such as distributing snacks from the school store, and supports his independence in daily life.

At the request of Axel’s parents, the team built a second buddyBasket for use outside of school. With it, Axel is able to help at his family’s restaurant, proudly taking on jobs that were once difficult for him.

Finalists: The Protractatray

This team worked with Teddy, who experiences limited arm strength. Teddy spends much of his day in an activity chair, but the trays he was using were uncomfortable, bulky, and did not provide the elbow support he needed.

Listening to Teddy’s care team at the Children’s Learning Center at CP Nassau, the students designed the Protractatray—an adaptive tray that attaches directly to Teddy’s wheelchair. It features protraction blockers for elbow support and cushioned edges for comfort, helping Teddy participate more fully in learning and play.

Following the competition, the team continued their work and created a second tray for Teddy to use at home, which they delivered to him in August.

By combining engineering skills with compassion, our students demonstrated how STEM can improve lives. The recognition of both teams highlights their creativity, teamwork, and dedication to making a difference.

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