There are many reasons why students like to enter the national research competitions. However, many schools do not provide students with independent research programs.

This course will provide students with a comprehensive guide about independent research projects and the national research competitions. This course will provide a step-by-step guide to working on an independent research project from the initial start–up to the final write-up. In addition, students will receive an overview of the rules and regulations of national research competitions, such as the Intel Science Talent Search Competition or the Siemens Westinghouse Science and Technology Competition.

Goals:

1. To help students improve performance in math and science using project based, inquiry learning.
2. To have students to work on authentic research projects in order to extract information not previously known to the them.
3. To introduce students to working with outside mentors.
4. To introduce students to the national research competitions.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Students will learn how to use the scientific method to complete an independent research project.
2. Students will learn how to write a scientific paper.
3. Students will learn how to make a scientific presentation.
4. Students will be able to submit their work to the national research competitions.

Intended Student Audience:

• High School Students, grades 9 – 12.
• Motivated Middle School Students, grades 5 - 8

Professional Development:

This companion program is for teachers interested in developing a Science Research Program in their school district. They will be provided with the information and experience necessary to guide students in their efforts to produce a research proposal and carry-out experimentation to test hypotheses