Science Research

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE RESEARCH              

(1 unit; 2 College Credits) Through independent learning conducted during the summer before entering this program, students gain a foundation of knowledge about science, math and engineering topics of interest.  Upon entering the school year, students engage in a review of scholarly literature to achieve a deep understanding of a specific area within their chosen field of focus. Students will search for and connect with a professional scientist mentor in order to develop a research project for the following summer and their next year of science research. Bi-weekly meetings between student and instructor will be used to monitor progress and provide support for the student. Goals for the student include but are not limited to: development of independent study skills; authentic scientific research; direct communication with the scientific community; demonstration of perseverance, resourcefulness, communication skills, and enthusiasm; presentation of research ideas to peers; preparation for participation in future local and national science competitions; and participation for the Somers 1st Year Research Student Competition. Participation in the end-of-the-year FLHS Science Research Symposium is required. 2 college credits through the University of Albany are offered to students who successfully submit evidence of project progress and continue on to the second year (see Intermediate Science Research). Summer research is expected of students planning to continue in the program.  
Prerequisite: Must be in 10th grade (11th graders may join with permission of instructor), parental permission, interview by instructor. The core unit of study will require significant time outside the school day and during the summer for lab visits or fieldwork.
Suggested Guidelines: Teacher recommendation

INTERMEDIATE SCIENCE RESEARCH                                                                       

(1 unit; 2-6 College Credits) The 2nd year of the research program immerses students in their research throughout the school year.  Projects may involve trips to the lab/field, where students, under guidance from the scientist mentor and instructor,  conduct an original project that they developed during their first year of science research. Data is collected over the previous summer and analyzed during the beginning of the school year.  2nd year students qualifying for various local, regional, state, national and/or international science competitions are encouraged to participate. Inherent within the framework of the science research program is the efficient and accurate communication of technically demanding information. Students continue reading journal articles on their specific research topic while honing their technical and professional communication skills. Students will learn about public speaking, presenting to peer-groups and professional scientists, organizing and producing a technical poster and professional slide presentation, and organizing and writing a formal research paper. Participation in the end-of-the-year FLHS Science Research Symposium is required. College credit through the University of Albany is available for both school year (4 credits) and summer research (2 credits). Bi-weekly meetings between the student and instructor will be used to monitor progress and provide support for the student. Summer research is required for students continuing on to the 3rd year in the program.  
Prerequisite: Parental permission, permission of instructor, successful completion of Introduction to Science Research.  The core unit of study will require significant time outside the school day and during the summer for lab visits/fieldwork.

ADVANCED SCIENCE RESEARCH                               

(1 unit; 4 College Credits) The 3rd year of the research program focuses on the further development of key scientific communication skills. Students are encouraged to present his/her original research in various local, regional, state, national, and international science symposia and competitions, including the Regeneron (formerly Intel) Science Talent Search. Students will continue to learn about public speaking, presenting to peer-groups and professional scientists, organizing and producing a technical poster and professional slide presentation, and organizing and writing a formal research paper. Participation in the end-of-the-year FLHS Science Research Symposium is required. Bi-weekly meetings between the student and instructor will be used to monitor progress and provide support for the student. 4 college credits through the University of Albany are offered for the school year.  
Prerequisite: Parental permission, permission of instructor, successful completion of two years of Science Research. The core unit of study will require significant time outside the school day for lab visits/fieldwork.