The incident took place around 11:30 a.m. Friday while the students from the Mahopac-based Fulmar Road Elementary School were participating in a lesson at the center in Kent, said Ellen Lane, communications director for PNW/BOCES.
A teacher notified the Mahopac Central School District and called 911. Six students appeared to have suffered minor injuries as a result of the falling debris, she said.
They were taken by ambulance to Putnam Hospital Center for examination. In an abundance of caution, the remaining 18 students were also taken to Putnam Hospital by bus to be examined, she added.
The students had just completed a lesson on the food web and were preparing to have a snack when the incident occurred.
"At this time, the cause of the collapse is under investigation," Lane said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Poughkeepsie and receive free news updates.