Smithtown High School East ThINK Discovery Research Students Conduct Research Along Nissequogue River

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

ThINK Discovery Science Research students from Smithtown High School East, under the leadership of Ms. Maria Zeitlin, recently returned to Nissequogue River to conduct citizen science. Part of a multi-school collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Central Pine Barren Commission, the Suffolk County Water Authority and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, this annual STEM activity takes a longitudinal look at the health of the local estuary.

Smithtown High School East science students spent a day researching on the Nissequogue River.

East students were divided into four groups and worked in teams to collect data.  According to Dr. Stephanie O’Brien, Smithtown Central School District science director, “Student learning in real life scenarios about the geographic area they live in doesn’t get more authentic than this. Conversations between students, compiled with laughs and smiling faces, help create a culture that has benefits which extend well beyond the school walls.”