Bayside High School Designs Biodome, Plans To Install In Coming Months

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — Bayside High School is on track to break ground on its glass-encased biodome to provide students with training in environmental and engineering skills.

While still in its design phase, construction for the biodome is set to begin at the end of the school year and finish in the next several years.

“It creates a hand-on opportunity for our students,” Tracy Martinez, principal at Bayside High School, told Patch. “It really creates that point of entry for children to experiment.”

The biodome is part of the school’s Environmental, Engineering & Technology Program, integrated into its Career and Educational Program.

Fundraising for the project was a three-year effort, garnering money from the city, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and Council Member Vickie Paladino.

The biodome will provide vocational training through hydroponics, rainwater recycling, and urban gardening.

“I am committed to ensuring that vocational training is offered at every school in the city,” Paladino told Patch.

Paladino said the biodome will provide student internships and professional development opportunities for the community and educators.

The project will also offer hands-on learning activities for the over fifty local community organizations that use Bayside High School’s facilities including elementary and junior high schools such as PS 41, PS 159, Bell Academy, IS 25, and JHS 194.