On Thursday, February 23, 2023, while over 150 students were setting up their boards in the gym for the 35th annual science and engineering fair, 29 juniors and seniors gathered on the opposite side of the school, in the gallery space of the Simon Center for the Arts, to add last-minute touches to their presentations and storyboards in preparation for the launch of the Extended Inquiry Showcase. 

Extended Inquiry (EI) was piloted this year under the thoughtful guidance of science teachers, Sharon Kreamer and Dan Nightingale. It was designed to allow upper-grade students time and space to delve deeply into an area of interest and produce a tangible final product. It is a new requirement for all juniors and optional for seniors. Those with a keen interest in science and engineering could choose to fulfill the requirement by continuing to participate in Falmouth Academy's Science and Engineering Fair.

By junior year, Falmouth Academy students are fairly proficient in extended inquiry partly due to the strong foundation acquired through participation in the science and engineering fair every year since middle school. This new program builds on that success and invites students to “explore something they’re passionate about,” explained Nightingale.

Kreamer and Nightingale served as administrators of the program, and guided students from proposal to presentation, September through February. Additionally, each student worked with a mentor from their chosen field of study. For example, one student blended her love of art with her interest in studying business in college by creating a business plan for retail art sales. She worked with a local businesswoman who volunteers as a mentor with Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), a national nonprofit organization that helps individuals successfully grow a business. 

Participating juniors and seniors presented to students and faculty throughout the day. Family and friends were invited to walk through during the public viewing portion of the science and engineering fair.

Other topics from this year included a podcast about affordable housing on Cape Cod, a study of Kierkegaard; crocheting for premature babies; creating a website detailing the pathway to U.S. citizenship; building a microbial fuel cell; foraging on Martha's Vineyard; designing and building a carbon hydrofoil; the art of improv; and so much more.