A series of science stations at Samoset Middle School reinforced important curriculum concepts for sixth-grade students during a recent workshop led by the Brookhaven National Laboratory.

As part of the hands-on workshop, students rotated between stations that examined science topics, including gravity, motion, friction and force. At one station, students were tasked with constructing a roller coaster for a marble to travel through while being mindful of how speed and momentum affected the marble’s travel. At another station, students examined how different surfaces can affect travel and distance as they rolled a toy car down a ramp. While testing each surface, students collected data on the tests they conducted. In an additional station, the students studied energy transfer by playing a game where they hit one marble into another, knocking it from a circle and reflecting on the result that speed and force had on the collision. 

This timely visit from the Brookhaven National Laboratory served as an engaging review to conclude the recent science unit on force and motion.  

Greek mythology conquered conversation at Samoset Middle School during a recent assembly program for sixth-grade students led by author and illustrator George O’Connor. 

The inspiring assembly program took students on a journey through O’Connor’s experiences as a student just beginning to draw, to the tips and techniques he still uses today to excel as an author and illustrator. O’Connor walked students through his Greek mythology-based book series, “Olympians,” providing students an opportunity to test their knowledge of the most famous Greek gods and goddesses and the mythological stories they star in. 

Concluding his presentation, O’Connor showcased his quick drawing style during an impressive 25-second drawing demonstration of Greek god Zeus, where he emphasized the importance of working through your mistakes instead of taking them as failures.