Overview of Science Research

• SR is approved by the NYS Board of Regents and SUNY Albany and must meet the criteria set by them.
• 10-12 hours per bi-weekly cycle spent in research.
• 90 hours spent in research work during summer
• (for optional college credit).

• MCS is one of only 125 school districts in NYS to be using this model for science research, and another 6 nationally.

• SR is a course designed to give students an opportunity to do original science research at an advanced level.

• All students work on topics they choose.

• After extensive investigation through readings, interviews, discussions and work experiences, students establish relationships with scientists working in their field to act as mentors.

• During the summer of the Sophomore year and into the Junior year, students continue investigating, and then begin their research under the guidance of their mentor and SR teacher.

• At the end of the Junior summer and into the fall Senior year, students prepare the formal report of their research.

• In the senior year, students submit their research paper for publication in Scientific Journals and competitions.

Key Points

• Student can investigate anything s/he wants, as long as it is done using strong scientific methodologies.

• Curiosity, and motivation to satisfy that curiosity, are the most important prerequisites of SR.

• Effort and communication are the next most important.

• Course is entirely student-driven, but it is an intense course with high expectations.
• Excellence is expected.
• Excellence in effort, communication and resulting grade is required.
• However, all that is necessary to do well is -

- Student passion for chosen line of study

- Effort, self-determination

- Planning / Time Management

- Communication

• If the above is met, especially communication, success is almost guaranteed.

A Time Line Over Three Years

· As Sophomores, students will:

a. Narrow their field of study

b. Explore their topics extensively, including

becoming comfortable with journal articles

and the scientific method

c. Prepare a formal presentation on a chosen research paper on their topic

d. Present research poster at MCS symposium

e. Set up summer opportunity

f. Obtain a mentor

g. Begin design of a research experiment

· As Juniors, students will:

a. Conduct experiments

b. Continue reading journal articles and

field experiences

c. Refine hypothesis of their experiment

d. Continue contact with their mentor

e. Prepare for the local symposium using their own data

f. Continue summer research experience

· As Seniors, students will:

a. Begin conclusions of research

b. Complete research paper

c. Submit paper to JSHS, Intel, Siemens,

and others

d. Submit research paper to professional

journals for publication

e. Prepare for final local symposium and

participate in competitions

The Portfolio

· All students maintain a 20 part portfolio.

· Contains the laboratory notebook which is a legal document.

· Contains articles read, all work, and records of all conversations, phone calls, e-mails and meetings attended.

· The portfolio becomes a record of all time spent, ideas, thought processes, and work done during the entire three year period.

· At the bi-weekly meeting, students must present an up-to-date portfolio for evaluation. This includes all required paperwork.

· Portfolios are periodically assessed by representatives of SUNY Albany to make sure students are following the requirements set forth for SR.

The Symposium

· Each May/June students present their work from the previous year.

o Sophomores present a brief description of their work to date, including where they are heading.

o Juniors present the work that has been completed to date on their selected area of research.

o Seniors present their completed research project as a formal research paper.

· All students present formal scientific posters of their research work for the year.

Student Assessment

• Assessment is done both bi-weekly and quarterly.

• Bi-weekly assessment involves reviewing a list of chosen goals and tasks that must be completed prior to each individual bi-weekly conference.

• Quarterly assessment involves averaging all bi-weekly assessments with other assignments, such as class readings, writings, papers and presentations. Class participation and cooperation is also factored in.

Additional Points

• Class support projects such as maintaining SR Fund, computer support, field trips, guest speakers, acquiring grant money etc., are required of the student.

• Behavior elsewhere, in and out of school, must be appropriate.

• Parent involvement is critical, mostly through meetings, support and time management.

Credit Available

• Three additional science regents credits from NYS, one for each year of SR.
• Students must take a 3 Regents Science sequence (Earth Science, Biology, and Chemistry or Physics)to receive these credits.

• 12 college credits from SUNY Albany for:
• Summer Sophomore Year (2 credits)
• Junior Year (4 credits)
• Summer Junior Year (2 credits)
• Senior Year (4 credits.)

Pre-enrollment Requirements

• This and previous meeting, as well as student and parent attending the Symposium on Thursday, May 31.

• Pre-enrollment essay. Details will be provided tonight.

Summer Work

• This summer, new students must complete the following (more details will be given):

- Read 10 articles of their choice

- Summarize each article using provided template

- Due first day of school

• College course starts the sophomore summer. If enroll in college course, student will work a minimum of 90 hours on SR. This should include a work/intern experience.

What Students Learn in Science Research (in addition to research skills)

o Essential ingredients of the Scientific Method.

o Establishing Time Lines

o Ability to plan and adapt for short term and long term goals

o On-line search techniques

o Preparation of a scientific poster

o Narrowing and isolating a topic of Research

What Students Learn in Science Research (cont)

o Ability to realistically assess progress

o Respect for research and research of others

o How to maintain an organized portfolio

o Presentation skills

o How to communicate with professionals