Horizons Conference Day in Wantagh is a Hit

Wantagh Horizons Program students recently attended Horizons Conference Day at Wantagh Elementary School.

The annual enrichment day was an opportunity for students enrolled in the gifted and talented program to partner with their parents while engaging in various hands-on activities. During the rigorous workshop offerings, students and their parents were challenged to think and perform at a high level while exploring topics such as primitive technology, engineering design, alchemical technology, fingerprint analysis and Minecraft engineering.

“These engaging workshops provided a wonderful opportunity for students and their parents to explore new topics and share in their continuous love of learning,” said Horizons teacher Renee MacDermott.

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Experts in the field worked with the students. Using natural materials, Patricia Miranda introduced the chemistry of color making by using recipes and techniques practiced by cultures all over the world for thousands of years. Students made paint from natural materials such as stones, bugs and flowers.

Brett Curlew introduced students to primitive tools and techniques used by the native peoples of Long Island and showed them how to make a hammer from stone and wood and how to fabricate an amulet from stone.

During Thomas Fields’ workshop, students considered potential and kinetic energy while attempting to design a machine that could kick a ball into a cup. Presenter Lauren Shaw also taught students how to take fingerprints and analyze them by their distinct features.

A popular workshop with Julian Rest from MakerState allowed students to utilize Minecraft technology to build new worlds out of textured cubes in a 3-D environment, assisting them in experiencing engineering, circuitry, computing, physics and design.

Submitted by Wantagh Schools

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