By Scott Brinton
The Bellmore-Merrick High School District is stepping up its "successful" science research program, which gives students the chance to pursue their own projects for entering in major competitions, such as the annual Intel contest (formerly Westinghouse).
"We've had a fair success," said Elliott Solomon, chairman of the Calhoun High School Science Department. "We've averaged about two [Intel] semifinalists or finalists" annually. Now, Mr. Solomon said, "We've reached the point where we want to raise the bar."
To do so, the district is bringing in two science research consultants at a cost of $11,000 to $12,000 a year. In previous years, the district assigned teachers as mentors for students. Mentors assisted pupils with their research projects from start to finish.
The district will continue its mentoring program. However, officials noted that Bellmore-Merrick has not had an "expert" in science research, specifically research competitions, on hand. Many districts, they said, hire an in-house consultant or teacher whose sole job is overseeing research.
Additionally, Bellmore-Merrick has signed up for Stony Brook University's research support program, in which students attend seminars at Stony Brook in a variety of areas, from behavioral science to mathematics. The program attracts hundreds of students from throughout Long Island, officials said.
Dr. Thomas Caramore, the Bellmore-Merrick superintendent, said, "I highly endorse" the district's expanded research program.
