Students and faculty at Mother Teresa Regional School have reached star status.

Several eighth grade students and teachers at the Atlantic Highlands parochial school earned first place in the Stars Challenge Science Competition.

Earlier this school year, eighth grade students brainstormed for an experiment for the Stars Challenge Science Competition. 

The Stars Challenge requires that students think of a problem in their school and use creativity and the scientific method to see if they can solve it. Maria Alzate, an eighth grade student, proposed an idea of trying to resolve the issue of classrooms being too hot in the beginning of the school year. 

Classrooms on one side of the building, in particular, are very hot due to the sun’s angle and reflection in windows.

Students proposed a variety of material to be used, from aluminum foil to car window tinting to help block out the sun’s rays.

For several weeks, they recorded the temperature in each room three times a day to determine which material helped reduce the room temperature.  Based on their data collection, the students concluded that the 5 percent Gila tint worked best to alleviate the heat and abate the reflection.

There were a few variables that students discussed not taking into account, such as number of students in the classroom during the day or if the windows were opened.  Students then created a power point presentation and a display to be presented to the judges of the Stars Challenge.

The hard work of students Maria Alzate, Tim Corey, Toni Costa, Franny Fiore, Daniel Hennessy, Patrick Molloy, and Jacob White was rewarded by the first place win.  Teachers involved with the project were: Jennifer Baeder, Mrs. Tracey Platenyk, and Katey Patrizio.

They were recognized at an award ceremony for their use of graphs to explain their data and also the digital presentation. 

The school’s science teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Baeder was awarded $1,000 to spend in her science classroom.  Students were eager to spend the money on materials to conduct other experiments.

For more information on Mother Teresa Regional School and to see the award winning power point visit mtregional.com.  For more information on participating in the Stars Challenge visit starschallenge.org.