Science

Farmingdale School District Homepage

Farmingdale
SD Website

Dr. Kristen Cummings

Science K-12

Health K-12

Innovation 3-5

516-434-5135

Mission Statement

The mission of the Farmingdale School District Science Department is to cultivate a spirit of discovery, innovation, investigation, exploration, and problem-solving through respectful discourse. Students will investigate real-world phenomena to develop a deep understanding of core scientific ideas through evidenced-based arguments and concrete models. Learning environments will foster risk-taking, provide spaces for all students’ voices to be heard, support diverse learners, and foster opportunities for collaboration. The students will acquire scientific literacy and abstract thinking to apply to any future career pathway.

Current Events

Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People located in the center of the Moon’s shadow when it hits Earth will experience a total eclipse. The sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people in the path of a total solar eclipse can see the Sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere, which is otherwise usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun. A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses (which are not the same as regular sunglasses) for the brief period of time when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun.

What is a Partial Solar Eclipse?

A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth but the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly lined up. Only a part of the Sun will appear to be covered, giving it a crescent shape. During a total or annular solar eclipse, people outside the area covered by the Moon’s inner shadow see a partial solar eclipse.

What will we see in Farmingdale?

Partial Solar Eclipse

Eye Safety During a Total Solar Eclipse

Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.

Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.

Path of the Eclipse in Farmingdale

NASA April 8 2024 Solar Eclipse webpage

Solar Eclipse Safety

Elementary Student Safety Activity

Ways to Watch the Solar Eclipse Indirectly (Without looking at the Sun)

STEAM Night March 19, 2024 @ FHS

STEAM Night Video

Bringing Together Community, Education, and Fun in a Night of Exploration

The Elementary STEAM Night in Farmingdale truly showcased the wonders of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in a fun and engaging way. The event brought together a diverse community of over 600 attendees who eagerly explored dozens of interactive stations with the guidance of 100 enthusiastic volunteers.

Numerous Farmingdale High School clubs, including Robotics, Science Olympiad, Women In STEM, Science Research Club, Health Science Club, and Theatre students, significantly contributed to the event's success. Additionally, teacher volunteers from the district's six buildings were present to ensure the event's smooth operation.

“STEAM Night holds a special place in my heart; it's my favorite event of the year,” expressed Dr. Kristen Cummings, the Director of Science. “Upon stepping in, one can immediately sense the vibrant atmosphere. Its collaborative nature truly sets it apart, uniting the entire district.”

From the electrifying demonstrations like A Shocking Development and The Science of the Electric Guitar to the hands-on activities such as Whirly Swirly Pipe Making Sounds and Make Your Ice Cream, there was something everyone could enjoy and learn from. Participants also had the chance to test their skills in challenges like the Space Lander Challenge and Slinky Fall, Fold, and Fly. One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity for attendees to interact with high school students, who served as mentors at various stations. This collaboration fostered a sense of community and encouraged participants to participate in scientific practices. By asking questions, conducting investigations, analyzing data, and offering explanations, everyone had the chance to think like a scientist and engineer.

A significant event like STEAM Night requires countless hours of planning. Dr. Kristen Cummings, the Director of Science at Farmingdale School District, together with the National Science Honor Society Members, advisors Sara Whitaker and Mike Boyd, and STEAM Night Coordinators Tatiana Hakimian and Julie Bonventre, can look back with pride on an event that truly brought the community together in celebration of learning and innovation.

The success of this year's STEAM Night has set the bar high for future events, leaving the Daler community eagerly anticipating the next installment of this beloved tradition. The success of Farmingdale School District’s 5th Annual Elementary STEAM Night highlights the power of combining education and entertainment to inspire the next generation of thinkers and creators.

Focus of Instruction