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Students experiment on how to save energy

(left to right) First place winners Bracha Kosofsky and Aviva Muhlmann presented "Insulation Determination" at LYA's Science Fair 2008. Reminder Publications submitted photo
LONGMEADOW As home owners across the country are contemplating the high costs of heating energy, two middle school students at Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy (LYA) researched and analyzed various aspects of home insulation for the school's science fair.

Sixth grade student Aviva Muhlmann and seventh grade student Bracha Kosofsky earned first place at LYA's Science Fair 2008. These students walked away with a better knowledge of how to best keep heat in their homes during the winter and out of their homes during the summer after preparing an experiment called Insulation Determination.

Kosofsky and Muhlmann compared fiberglass insulation to spray foam. Their research led them to contact Stuart Fearn of SAFCO Foam in East Longmeadow, who assisted them in research. Their results found that spray foam is more economical as it is more compact, allows less heat to pass through and its temperature does not change.

Their results were displayed along with the experiments of fellow students at LYA's Science Fair. Students presented their experiments to a panel of judges: Carol Engelson, chair of the science department at West Springfield High School, Dr. Rick Granowitz, associate professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, and Dr. Paul and Mrs. Esta Farkas of Longmeadow.

Granowitz was very pleased to note about the winners' presentation that "it was an interesting, well-designed study that is very relevant today in light of rising home heating costs."

Students began preparing for the science fair in October under the direction of Lisa Borlen, the LYA science teacher. The students learned how to work in a group, conduct research, use the scientific method to answer questions and present information visually and orally.

"This a great experience for students to utilize all of the skills they are taught and have fun at the same time!" Borlen commented. "The groups showed wonderful enthusiasm throughout the year working on their projects and I am very proud of all of their accomplishments."

Engelson was impressed with the students' use of the scientific method. "The oral presentations were incredible and the students were knowledgeable," she noted.

In addition to the impressiveness of the reports and visuals, Esta Farkas noted the community support for the students. "It was exciting to see the enthusiasm of family, friends and fellow students at the science fair," she commented.

Kosofsky and Muhlmann walked away with more than a first place ribbon and the satisfaction of a job well done. At first Muhlmann worried that it would be difficult working with a partner, but once the girls began the assignment became easier.

Kosofsky said, "Not only did Aviva and I become friendlier, but we combined our individual ideas, shared responsibility and worked with our strengths."

Second place went to Chaya Kosofsky and Chaya Wolff who presented "Yeast on the Rise." Third place went to Chana Wolff and Nickole Kugel for "Fertilizer Fiasco." Honorable mentions went to Shlomo Simenowitz, Charles Stavsky and Talmor Ben Naim for "Sky High" and Sofia Muhlmann and Sarah Muellejans for "Water Wrath: Shower Bath."