DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The Advanced Scientific Research Program is an academic model designed to produce scientific literacy among high school students and increase the number of students pursuing careers in science. Often, high school students have little input into their educational processes or the selection of topics. Students in the Advanced Scientific Research class develop and investigate scientific questions that they have chosen in collaboration with members of the scientific community. Step one is to expose the students to a variety of scientific research at universities, institutes, and via the Internet. Before each outing, students read research publications from each laboratory. During the trip, students visit laboratories doing active research and engage in discussions with the researcher. Students build a foundation of understanding and learn cutting edge research. At this point, students design and conduct experiments with professional and academic researchers. Students select projects that capture their interest, refine their question using the scientific literature, design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, write research papers for publication and present findings at professional meetings under the guidance of teachers who are also actively engaged in scientific research. The students complete the course by submitting a scientific research paper ready for review. This program produces high school students who are already engaged in the scientific process and actively contributing to the scientific community when they arrive at college as undergraduates. Students who have completed the Advanced Scientific Research Course will be tracked, using alumni data gathered by the school, throughout their careers to determine if they are more likely than their peers to engage in research. In addition to preparing young researchers, the class has generated enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the student body and is a valuable tool for recruiting scientifically-minded students to the school.