COMMACK SCHOOLS

Discovery campers flexed their engineering skills while building boats on Wednesday as part of a new STEAM lab program.

The program will continue at the district’s four primary schools once school resumes in September as a newly launched Lunch and Learn opportunity.

STEAM Labs are innovative spaces where students create, discover and use technology while sharpening their inquiry skills with hands-on learning.

Library media specialists Christine Dennis and Gia Ibanez as well as executive director of technology Alise Pulliam have designed the new interactive experiences for all students in kindergarten through third grade for the coming school year.

During “Pirates and Mermaids” week at Discovery Camp, the STEAM Lab is making a splash.

On Wednesday, campers designed their first boat using a kit. They then attempted to have the boats remain afloat while adding various types of cargo.

The campers then incorporated what they observed from the kit boat floating experience to their own design for a second boat, which they built using craft sticks and other common items. Students discovered various factors that impacted their success and made adjustments when needed.