Grades 9-10

This is a single semester science research class.  This course is designed for students with a strong interest in science.  This is a course that spurs interest in research and helps students to self select science research as something they see as their focus at this point in their academic career.  This is a hands-on experimental class.  There will be faculty guided, student inspired long-term research projects.  Students will learn how to properly conduct scientific experiments.  They will learn how to keep an appropriate science notebook.  They will also be provided cutting edge scientific literature.   They can pursue their interests and will be taught the unique value of peer reviewed scientific literature.  This course is a potential stepping-stone for science research classes that could result in prestigious science research competitions.

SCIENCE RESEARCH II

Grades 9-10

 This is a single semester science research class.  This course is designed for students with a strong interest in science and see themselves spending some of their free time doing authentic scientific research.  These students will begin the course by researching and fine-tuning their specific interests in a scientific field.  They will strengthen their scientific background in their area of interest.  They will meet regularly with their faculty advisor to report on progress and seek guidance.  Students spend the beginning part of this year choosing a topic and finding a mentor in a local industry or university.  They need to develop and write a formal research proposal.  They also need to contact and interview with professionals who are willing to work with a High School student.  The students will also be assigned a variety of lab activities, team and individual projects that will hone their problem solving skills. They will better understand experimental design and data analysis. 

ADVANCED SCIENCE RESEARCH

Grades 10-12

 This is a single semester science research class.  This course is designed for students who are looking to continue an authentic scientific research begun in Science Research II.  These students will be refining a sophisticated research project.  At this stage of the program long periods of continuous experimentation and research is the key to successful projects, thus the switch to the lab format.  They will be fine tuning their project by working with professionals and advisors to prepare the research for presentation outside the school.  The students will refine their presentation through a process of both peer and mentor review.  This is an ongoing process that can continue for multiple semesters.

The students will create an appropriate presentation vehicle for their project to be taken outside the district to a variety of science fairs and competitions.  They also need to continue the process of contacting and interviewing with professionals who are willing to work with a High School student.  Through this process they will better understand experimental design, data analysis and the scientific review process.