Amity Science Research

Course Description

Science Research Program – Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Full Year – Level H: Incoming freshman and sophomore students must apply for admission to this program in January of the prior academic year. Acceptance into the program will be based on a science teacher recommendation, a written essay, and excellent academic grades.

This is an ongoing program that is taken in conjunction with the student’s regular science course. There are several tiers to the program. During Year 1 students learn the components of scientific research including the scientific method and apply these concepts in various settings including designing and conducting an authentic science research project and communicating results by participation in at least one local science fair. Students also explore various applications of science topics through field trips, guest speakers and class projects. Advanced students (Years 2-4) select their science research topic, locate an out-of-school mentor (either in industry or at a local university) and compete in a variety of science fairs including the CT State Science Fair, Southern CT Invitational Science and Engineering Fair (SCSEF) and the CT Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (CT JSHS). Advanced students pursue their selected research in depth, perform statistical analysis and compete at a number of local and/or national science fairs and competitions. In Years 2, 3, and 4 students are grouped together in a non-traditional classroom setting and are required to meet individually outside of class with their Science Research Instructor biweekly to review individual goals and assess progress. All students participate in the culminating annual activity, Amity’s Science Symposium.

Monday, April 29, 2013

2013 SCISEF Fair

Please reflect on the following (each question in detail):

1. What was your overall impression of the SCISEF Fair? Specifically, what things did you enjoy about the fair? Did the fair meet your expectations? In what ways was it similar or different to what you anticipated or experienced in the past?

2. What was the judging process like? Were the judges fair and helpful?

3. What was the most helpful comment from the Judges? Least helpful?

4. How was the food (breakfast and lunch)?

5. Did you enjoy the Keynote presentation on "Rivers on Drugs"? Explain.

6. In what way do you think the Mock Science Fair and/or Norwalk Science Fair helped prepare you?

7. Did you learn anything new about your project? If so, what can you do to improve it for the next fair? Did you have time to view other student projects? Which project(s) left a lasting impression? why?

8. Did you talk to students from other schools? Explain.

9. What can we do to better prepare students for upcoming science fairs, if anything?

Thank you

2013 Norwalk Science Fair

Please reflect on the following (each question in detail):

1. What was your overall impression of the Norwalk Fair? Specifically, what things did you enjoy about the fair? Did the fair meet your expectations? In what ways was it similar or different to what you anticipated or experienced in the past?

2. What was the judging process like? Were the judges fair and helpful?

3. What was the most helpful comment from the Judges? Least helpful?

4. How was the food (pizza and soda)?

5. In what way do you think the Mock Science Fair helped prepare you for the Fair?

6. Did you learn anything new about your project? If so, what can you do to improve it for the next fair? Did you have time to view other student projects? Which project(s) left a lasting impression? why?

7. Did you talk to students from other schools? Explain.

Thank you!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

2013 Advanced SRP Abstracts

Please post your most current abstract here (250 words max) including (but not limited to):

Your name
Title of your project

Research Question and/or Hypothesis
Methods
Findings
Conclusions
Implications

2013 Year 1 SRP Abstracts

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

2013 Advanced Research Proposals

Please place your 2012-13 Research Proposal on this Post. Proposals should be approximately 250 words. Be sure to include your name (or initials) and research title followed by a single paragraph including:

Research Question
Hypothesis
Variables
Methods
Location
Mentor (if applicable)