Discovery campers flexed their engineering skills while building boats on Wednesday as part of a new STEAM lab program.

The program will continue at the district’s four primary schools once school resumes in September as a newly launched Lunch and Learn opportunity.

STEAM Labs are innovative spaces where students create, discover and use technology while sharpening their inquiry skills with hands-on learning.

Library media specialists Christine Dennis and Gia Ibanez as well as executive director of technology Alise Pulliam have designed the new interactive experiences for all students in kindergarten through third grade for the coming school year.

During “Pirates and Mermaids” week at Discovery Camp, the STEAM Lab is making a splash.

On Wednesday, campers designed their first boat using a kit. They then attempted to have the boats remain afloat while adding various types of cargo.

The campers then incorporated what they observed from the kit boat floating experience to their own design for a second boat, which they built using craft sticks and other common items. Students discovered various factors that impacted their success and made adjustments when needed.

Indian Hollow students are making a difference in the community … while only in first grade!

On Wednesday afternoon, for their spring community service project, the students designed door banners for the residents at St. Catherine’s Nursing Home in Smithtown.

The first graders at Indian Hollow have been working on community service projects each season. Their initiative is called, "First Graders Care."

During the fall, they made large murals for the Northport VA Hospital to thank the veterans for their service around Veteran’s Day.

During the winter, they sponsored a Pajama Drive and donated new pajamas to the children in the pediatric department at Stony Brook Hospital.

Indian Hollow second graders performed their Spring Showcase, "Ei OOPS,"  on Tuesday morning.

The production was led by music teacher Andrew Scheiner and received resounding reviews from family in attendance.

Jeanne Waldman’s first-grade students at Indian Hollow learned about career options from some special visitors on Monday.
 
 Laura Newman, the district’s associate superintendent for business and operations, and district chef Chris Fusco spoke with the students about their careers.
 
 Mrs. Waldman has been teaching students about “needs” and “wants” and how — when they grow up — the first graders will be independent and have jobs to support themselves.
 
 Parents also have visited Mrs. Waldman’s class to speak about their careers. One memorable visit included a robotics demonstration.

Indian Hollow staged its talent and fashion show on Friday night at Burr Intermediate, and the acts brought down the house.
 
 The acts included singing, dancing, sports, piano and violin playing, and comedy.
 
 Physical education teacher Cory New sprinkled in his signature wit while emceeing the event.
 
 "It builds confidence. It builds character," New told the capacity crowd about the performers. "That's what we're doing here."