Lee Mattes

Mattes' innovative program, "Chemistry of the Saltwater Reef", is based on recent research that reveals that students learn best when concepts can be applied to their personal experiences. The program involves the establishment of a saltwater reef aquarium to create activities and labs centered around the students to challenge their different learning styles. Tenth and 11th-grade students at W.C. Mepham High School will learn to maintain various chemical parameters of the aquarium, perform titrations to determine the alkalinity and calcium of the tank, and monitor the temperature of the tank to help ensure the stability and health of the reef. The creation of the saltwater reef ecosystem will allow the integration of various aspects of science into what would typically be a chemistry lesson. Although many schools have saltwater aquariums, none have a curriculum that focuses solely on the chemistry of the reef. The goal is for students to enhance their science skills through the design and execution of lab activities and by designing data tables and compiling their findings. Mattes resides in Bellmore.