Long Beach High School Science teacher Cody Onufrock was recently recognized by the Long Island STEM Education Leadership Association (LISTEMELA) as a beacon of light for Long Beach students.

Mr. Onufrock is always finding ways for his students and colleagues to engage in authentic, hands-on, real-world science experiences beyond the walls of the classroom.

Over the past several years, he has worked with local agencies such as The Town of Hempstead and Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery to bring several multi-year projects to the school. Some of those projects include, growing kelp and oysters in a pond, growing and releasing trout, establishing a reforestation project, and drawing on his background as a nature guide to bring students on field trips to engage with local natural resources like seal walks and hikes in Cold Spring Harbor.

He leverages these projects as authentic phenomena through which students learn relevant science concepts and understand aspects of environmental stewardship, for the projects not only cover relevant standards, many include an environmental restoration or conservation aspect.

The Long Beach teacher is one of fifteen science teachers from across Long Island recognized with this honor. STEM Star recipients were selected for their exemplary commitment to the vision of LISTEMELA, which is equitable student access to high quality learning experiences in STEM.

Date Added: 5/9/2024