Suffolk Reporter

William Floyd High School Science Honor Society and Stony Brook STEP students recently engaged in the "A Day in the Life" project at Forge River and Osprey Park. The initiative provided hands-on experience in scientific exploration, focusing on local ecosystems.

The students were divided into groups, each tasked with specific scientific activities. One group collected physical data such as tidal measurements, current direction and speed, temperature, cloud cover, wind speed, and direction. Another group described the site by mapping its physical characteristics and collecting sediment samples. A third group focused on biological sampling by seining the river to record species diversity and describing nonaquatic habitats. The final group conducted chemical analyses of water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, pH, phosphates, nitrates, fecal coliforms, salinity, and turbidity.

Participants from across Long Island contributed to this project. Their findings are shared with Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Central Pine Barrens Association to monitor changes in local waterways over time.

Anya Swiss advises the William Floyd High School Science Society while Christopher Orlando oversees the Stony Brook STEP program. Heather Ehman also participated as a chaperone.

Acknowledgments were extended to the Central Pine Barrens Commission, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Brookhaven National Laboratory for facilitating this educational opportunity.