Holy Cross School science club takes first place in Monmouth University Stars Challenge Science Competition
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
Five Holy Cross students and their science teacher, Michelle Tomaino, met to solve the school-wide problem of harmful Styrofoam trays being used in their cafeteria. An additional five students joined the club to help solve the problem.
The team estimated that the school uses about 20,000 trays each school year. As Styrofoam plates never decompose, they are creating an infinite amount of waste in landfills worldwide. The science club members planned to present this problem and a reasonable solution to their principal, Patricia Graham, and the school's lunch preparation company.
The team researched several alternatives to Styrofoam trays, including those made from potatoes, sugar cane (bagasse), wheat, palm, cardboard and palm leaves. They tested their biodegradability by building a compost receptacle on the school grounds, placing a sample of each type of plate in it, and monitoring the speed of decomposition. Through their extensive research and experimentation, the club determined that trays made from potatoes are the most environmentally and economically responsible alternative to Styrofoam trays.
The team compiled their findings into a 17-page lab report, 60-slide Power Point Presentation and a six-minute video, and submitted it, not only to their principal, but also to the Monmouth University Stars Challenge science competition.
According to the Stars Challenge website, the goal of the competition is to encourage sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students “to identify a problem that requires science, creativity, and teamwork to solve.” The competition seeks to promote “creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning associated with science.”
Of 11 middle schools competing, Holy Cross took first prize at the competition, winning $1000 for new equipment for the Catholic grade school’s science lab.
The science club is advised by Tomaino and has 10 members: Rachel Diaz, president; Courtney Labrecque, vice president; Megan Burke and Lili Whitelaw, digital secretaries; Chris Mayro, treasurer; Julia O'Malley, secretary; Michael Cornette, Allie Kazalski, Brian Butler and Matt Branagan.
For further information about the Stars Challenge Science Competition, visit www.starschallenge.org
For more information about Holy Cross School, visit www.holycrossrumson.org
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Five Holy Cross students and their science teacher, Michelle Tomaino, met to solve the school-wide problem of harmful Styrofoam trays being used in their cafeteria. An additional five students joined the club to help solve the problem.
The team estimated that the school uses about 20,000 trays each school year. As Styrofoam plates never decompose, they are creating an infinite amount of waste in landfills worldwide. The science club members planned to present this problem and a reasonable solution to their principal, Patricia Graham, and the school's lunch preparation company.
The team researched several alternatives to Styrofoam trays, including those made from potatoes, sugar cane (bagasse), wheat, palm, cardboard and palm leaves. They tested their biodegradability by building a compost receptacle on the school grounds, placing a sample of each type of plate in it, and monitoring the speed of decomposition. Through their extensive research and experimentation, the club determined that trays made from potatoes are the most environmentally and economically responsible alternative to Styrofoam trays.
The team compiled their findings into a 17-page lab report, 60-slide Power Point Presentation and a six-minute video, and submitted it, not only to their principal, but also to the Monmouth University Stars Challenge science competition.
According to the Stars Challenge website, the goal of the competition is to encourage sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students “to identify a problem that requires science, creativity, and teamwork to solve.” The competition seeks to promote “creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning associated with science.”
Of 11 middle schools competing, Holy Cross took first prize at the competition, winning $1000 for new equipment for the Catholic grade school’s science lab.
The science club is advised by Tomaino and has 10 members: Rachel Diaz, president; Courtney Labrecque, vice president; Megan Burke and Lili Whitelaw, digital secretaries; Chris Mayro, treasurer; Julia O'Malley, secretary; Michael Cornette, Allie Kazalski, Brian Butler and Matt Branagan.
For further information about the Stars Challenge Science Competition, visit www.starschallenge.org
For more information about Holy Cross School, visit www.holycrossrumson.org
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