After years of planning and months of construction, the new science research classroom at Wantagh High School is officially open. The new space was designed for the Science Research Academy, a second-year program that is continuing to grow.

The space was created from a second-floor classroom and adjacent small instruction room, and was funded through a $250,000 grant from the New York State Senate. It features a learning area with lightweight desks that can easily be moved to foster collaboration, and a lab area with tables, sinks, gas connections and ample storage. In the back of the room, there is high-tech equipment including a biological fume hood to facilitate biology projects and a vacuum hood for chemistry experiments.

The school hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 26, and science research classes were officially meeting there the following day. Attending the grand opening were board of education trustees, central and building administrators, teachers, parents and representatives from the district’s architectural firm. 

“We’re so proud of getting to this point,” Superintendent John McNamara said. “This program has been many years in the making and it’s continuing to grow.”

More than 60 students are signed up for three levels of science research classes next year. The program launched during the 2023-2024 year with a freshman class, and by the fourth year it will be a full grades 9-12 program. 

Carol-Ann Winans, Wantagh’s executive director for curriculum and instruction, said the Science Research Academy was designed as a four-year program because of the progression of skills needed to enter regional, state and national science contests. Ninth graders are participating in the Toshiba ExploraVision competition and current sophomores, in their second year in the academy, are entering Barcode Long Island. The hope is for students to submit to the Regeneron Science Talent Search by senior year. 

“I’m really excited for our students to have a home base to explore their passions in the area of science research,” Principal Dr. Paul Guzzone said.

Christopher Kozak, director of STEM, added that the new facility provides students with modern resources and an engaging space to do meaningful scientific research.