Think Discovery Science Research students from Smithtown High School East, coordinated by East Science Research Coordinator, Maria Zeitlin, recently returned to conduct citizen science along the Nissequogue River. Part of a multi-school collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Central Pine Barren Commission, and the NYS DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation), this annual STEM activity takes a longitudinal look at the health of our local estuary.
Students worked in teams to collect data. One group used a seine net to catch and release fish, crabs, and any organisms present in the water. Another group recorded physical measurements such as tidal movement, wind speed, and air and water temperatures. A site description was done by students who recorded GPS location values and collected a core sample of sand to be later analyzed at BNL for microplastics. Finally, a group of students conducted a chemical analysis for salinity, cloudiness, and contaminants such as nitrates and phosphates.
"The DEC representatives were awestruck at how the kids were thriving in the natural surroundings," Zeitlin said. "They have never seen kids pick up so many crabs!'
According to Dr. Stephanie O’Brien, Smithtown’s science director, this type of science activity helps “to create a culture that has benefits that extend well beyond the school walls.”
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