Port Chester High School seniors Christopher Zamora and Joel Peralta returned to their roots, visiting two fifth grade classrooms at John F. Kennedy Elementary School to lead a hands-on science lesson for students taught by their former teachers, Vinny Fiscella and Richard Gregory.

The student-led lesson focused on electric and magnetic fields and featured interactive demonstrations designed to make science come alive. Christopher and Joel demonstrated “eddy currents” using magnets and a copper tube and showed students how a metal detector works. Fifth graders eagerly participated throughout the lesson, raising their hands, asking thoughtful questions, and competing for the chance to hold the metal detector during the demonstrations.

One standout moment came when students observed a magnet slowly falling through a copper tube. The entire class counted aloud as the magnet descended, turning the demonstration into an engaging group experiment. Another memorable reaction came during a discussion about wind turbines and spinning magnets, when one student excitedly exclaimed, “Oh, so magnets move the electricity through the wires!”

According to PCHS Science Research Teacher Erol Bakkalbasi, the visit aligned with a larger goal of strengthening scientific mentorship opportunities between high school and elementary students across the Port Chester community. While Mr. Bakkalbasi encouraged students to connect with former teachers and supported them in developing the lesson, the experience itself was entirely student-driven.

“Christopher and Joel selected the classrooms, created the materials, and led the lesson themselves,” said Bakkalbasi. “No amount of money can buy the impact of older students returning to teach younger students in the same community.”

The experience highlighted not only the students’ leadership and communication skills, but also the strength of Port Chester’s science program across grade levels. By returning to inspire younger learners, Christopher and Joel demonstrated how curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on learning can spark excitement for science and encourage future academic success.