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Juniors Take Inquiry to the Next Level
When Falmouth Academy juniors present their Extended Inquiry (EI) projects, they reveal months of curiosity, problem-solving, and hands-on work. Whether writing music, designing urban landscapes, or forging a pizza oven from scratch, students tackled topics as personal as they were ambitious.
Now in its third year, EI builds on the school’s long-established Science and Engineering Fair tradition, expanding the model to allow students to pursue anything that sparks their interest. Under the guidance of history teacher Matt Barnes and science teacher Dan Nightingale, students worked from September through February, pairing with mentors in their chosen fields to shape research-driven projects.
For many, the Extended Inquiry Project wasn’t just about completing a school requirement—it was about testing real-world ideas. Faye M. researched the environmental impact of lighter-than-air balloons and took steps toward banning their sale and release in Falmouth. Ivy H. examined the vulnerabilities of island life in the face of climate change. Sara C. reimagined Sandwich’s Main Street using urban planning principles to add mixed-use spaces and more housing. Fletcher P. investigated how corporate consolidation is squeezing out New England’s independent ski resorts.
Others focused on storytelling, history, and craftsmanship. Marc D. conducted an oral history of the Soviet Union’s collapse. Wyatt T. and Abigail B. mined the school’s archive to tell Falmouth Academy’s story in new ways. Annabelle B. studied the artistry and symbolism of embroidery through the work of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Some built, shaped, or composed something entirely new. Harrison W. constructed a functioning pizza oven. Caroline C. crafted ceramic dinnerware. Cian D. shaped and glazed a surfboard. Ronan C. wrote and recorded original music. Arden O. coded interactive games in Python, while Nait G. managed FA Athletics’ social media.
As part of the Extended Inquiry Showcase, students presented their work to faculty and peers throughout the day, with family and friends invited for a public viewing.
From climate policy to ceramics, music to urban planning, the Extended Inquiry Project proves that, given time and mentorship, students can turn curiosity into something real—and entirely their own.
2024-2025 Extended Inquiry Projects
- Ezra A. – The Future of 3D Mapping with Drones
- Abigail B. – The Oral History of FA
- Matt B. – Leaving My Mark: A Mural of FA
- Annabelle B. – Embroidery: Through the Eyes of Mary Queen of Scots
- Anastasia C. – Founding the FA Women's Club
- Caroline C. – Crafting Ceramic Dinnerware
- Ronan C. – Songwriting 101
- Sara C. – Urban Planning Sandwich Main Street
- Bailen D. – Island Life: MV and Galapagos
- Cian D. – Shaping and Glazing a Surfboard
- Marc D. – An Oral History of the Fall of the Soviet Union
- Will D. – Fundraising for Children in Nepal
- Nait G. – Managing Sports Social Media
- Sophie G. – Cold Case: Jack the Ripper
- Thomas H. – Creating Music Through Samples
- Ivy H. – Climate Economics: Islands in Crisis
- Lynn J. – The Process of Art
- Willow L. – Study of Pediatric Medicine
- Faye M. – Banning the Sale and Release of Lighter-than-Air Balloons in Falmouth
- Josh M. – SIEGE!: History through Strategy Games
- Lila M. – Interactive Family Cookbook
- Arden O. – Game Coding in Python
- Fletcher P. – Future of Skiing in the NE
- James R. – Financial Savings for Teens
- Bodhi T. – Cartography
- Will T. – Beekeeping and Its Socioeconomic Impact
- Wyatt T. – FA's History Through Objects
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