Conducting Research in High School
Students can learn a lot from conducting research in high school. They will learn how to research the scientific method and gain the communication skills necessary for later success. In addition, students who excel at this experience usually go on to achieve a great deal in college. The Pioneer Academics program makes this experience available to gifted students around the world. Students who complete this research project may be able to apply it toward their future career goals, and this is a great experience for aspiring scientists and researchers.
When searching for research opportunities, high school students should look for organizations near them or at universities near their area. Even national organizations may offer opportunities for high school students. They should identify researchers within driving distance and learn about their field of interest. Identify those who specialize in a particular field and note the kind of research they conduct. Keeping track of these researchers' titles, publications, and other identifying factors will allow students to apply for a position with them in the future.
Students can benefit from conducting research in high school in several ways. Not only will it help them build their resumes, but it will also allow them to gain valuable networking skills and professional exposure. Students involved in research in high school often have a mentor who can write letters of recommendation for them, and they will gain experience in the laboratory and in real-world settings. Students who perform high school research are well-prepared for their future studies in college.
Students can contact several research institutions to learn more about the field of their choice. They can also browse their websites to find information about specific labs. If a particular topic is of interest to them, they should contact those researchers and ask them to help them with their research. While high school students might not be top priority, they should be careful not to bluff and make the task as easy as possible. The next step is to send out emails to researchers who might be interested in conducting research in high school.
While students can work with teachers on independent research, they can also join research journals. Some journals will allow students to write blog posts and critique articles. Students do not necessarily have to submit full research papers in order to showcase their research skills. The Journal of Emerging Investigators was founded by Harvard University graduate students to mentor the next generation of scientists. The journal will provide feedback from Ph.D. candidates, which can help students expand their research question and better interpret their results. Check this page to get more information on research and research programs.
A number of high schools have 3-year programs in which students can conduct research for a class. These programs are available in math, social science, and science. In Port Washington, NY, the Schreiber High School has a separate class for research. Some high schools allow students to self-select, while others require students to undergo a selection process. Students must have completed prerequisite courses, have strong recommendations from teachers, and even undergo special interviews with faculty leaders to find the right program. For more information, check out this related post: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_research.