Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Hosts 3rd Annual Computer Science Car

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s Computer Science students and Hackathon Club members welcomed the next generation of STEM enthusiasts at the highly anticipated, 3rd Annual Computer Science Carnival. The school’s library was transformed into a vibrant fairground, with popcorn popping; carnival tunes filling the air; and smiles everywhere, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.

The event, which drew K-12 students and their families, provided an exciting opportunity to dive into the world of computer science and STEM through engaging, hands-on activities led by the school’s dedicated students and faculty. From the moment visitors entered, they were captivated by interactive exhibits that showcased the exciting potential of technology and innovation.
Highlights of the evening included:

• Binary Magic: A fun and educational demonstration of binary code and its role in computing.
• Drone Flights: Guests took to the skies with drone demonstrations, learning about flight dynamics and the technology behind these devices.
• Flight Simulators: Attendees experienced the thrill of flying an aircraft using realistic flight simulation technology.
• Storm Drain Challenge: Participants worked together to engineer creative solutions to environmental challenges.
• Virtual Reality Egypt: A fascinating journey through ancient Egypt, providing an immersive learning experience.
• PC Disassembly: A hands-on activity where visitors disassembled computers to understand their inner workings.
• Robot Coding in PJ Village: Guests enjoyed programming robots to navigate through a simulated Port Jefferson village.

In addition to these activities, the carnival offered a chance for visitors to explore the diverse range of electives available at the middle and high school levels. The event highlighted the ever-evolving world of technology and sparked excitement about the endless possibilities of STEM subjects and programs.

A heartfelt thanks go out to the dedicated faculty and staff who made the event possible: Winifred Kuemmel, Eva Grasso, Brian Chalmers, Linda Moran, Megan Roth-Ueno, Danielle Weaver, Dr. Kathryn Zvokel, and Anthony Butera. Special recognition is also due to the enthusiastic student hosts who helped facilitate the activities and engage with visitors.

The event was a testament to the importance of STEM education and the role it plays in preparing the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is proud to continue fostering an environment where students can explore, learn, and grow in the fields of computer science and beyond.

For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools.org and follow its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffSchools.