The TABC Rabbi Hershel Solnica Memorial Math Science Expo took place this past Tuesday night. In his introductory remarks, Dr. Joel Berman, chair of the science department, related how his rosh yeshiva, many years ago, warned him that the mission of an educator is to get people to think, and most people unfortunately find thinking painful. On Tuesday night, the TABC community was delighted to witness ten impressive presentations given by 17 students who buck this trend and find thinking exhilarating.
Benji Meiner ‘19 and Boaz Simantov ‘19 presented some novel thoughts in the study of refractive index—the bending of light in transmissive materials. Uri Garfunkel ‘19 compared the effective abilities of commercial disinfectants. Adi Felsen ‘18 and Tani Greengart ‘18 used an accelerometer to compare the effective force reductions in simulated crashes with an eye toward improving helmet protection. Ned Krasnopolsky ‘19 and Yehoshua Kanarak ‘19 studied blood pH levels. Joe Baron ‘19 and Jacob Lerer ‘19 presented their considerable research into the dynamics of bouncing sports balls. Avi Klar ‘19 and Avraham Gellman ‘19 carefully studied and compared the effectiveness of mouthwash versus toothpaste for cleaning teeth.
The panel of judges was composed of three alumni: Mr. Jerry Karp ‘05, Rabbi Ben Krinsky ‘05 and Mr. Danny Shlian ‘12. There was a tie for third place, with Avraham Kahan ‘19 and Nathaneal Vinar ‘19 winning for their study of neuroplasticity in baby rats and Yaakov Zinberg ‘18 placing for his clear presentation about antibiotic resistance.
Second place was earned by Moshe Golubtchik ‘19 and Mikey Finklestein ‘19 for building and programming a smart thermostat based on real feel.
First place was earned by Shlomi Helfgot ‘18 for his study of nomography, which he successfully related to the probability of winning a Super Bowl.
TABC is proud of the scientific acumen displayed by this group of students, who are supported by the teachers in their various science classes which encourage critical thinking and academic growth.
Dr. Berman wishes to give special thanks to Rabbi Chaim Jachter for giving a shiur prior to the Expo, to Mrs. Donna Hoenig for overseeing the evening’s events, to Mrs. Deniera Goldenberg and Mr. Shmuel Rosenblatt for being assistant Expo coordinators and, of course, to the TABC parents for sending the school such wonderful students.
