How to Excel in Science Competitions

To Be In It Is To Win!

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. The course will include 30 sessions, each one lasting 45 minutes.

Goals:

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

Expected Outcomes:

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

Intended Audience:

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

TIME	TITLE	CONTENT
1 Session	Introduction	Course Overview. Review Goals, Expected Outcomes. Definition Of Independent Research Projects. Introduce Students To Successful Student Researchers. Overview Of The National Research Competitions. To Be In It Is To Win!
2 Sessions	Why Compete?	Case Study Knowledge Beyond the Curriculum Exchanging Your Information Publishing Presentations at Conferences Meeting Prestigious Scientists College Courses Career Path Financial Rewards College Applications College Scholarships College Interviews To Enter is To Win
2 Sessions	Profiles of Student Researchers	High School Sophomore High School Junior High School Senior ThinkQuest Finalist Intel Entrants Intel Finalists Science Olympiad Team
3 Sessions	Getting Started/Finding a Research Topic Area	Definition - Independent Research Project The Scientific Method Reading Lectures/Visits College Courses Science Fairs Mentors Science Clubs Guest Speakers Host a Fair Research Magazine Neighborhood Project Background Reading Creating a Resource Guide
1 Session	The Scientific Method	State the Hypothesis Design an Experiment Build the Apparatus Conduct the Experiment Analyze the Data Write the Paper
1 Session	The Journal Notebook	What is a Journal Notebook? Primary Sources Using the Library Using the Internet Use in Competition
1 Session	Finding a Mentor	Internet Local Colleges Businesses Parents Teachers
4 Sessions	The National Research Competitions	Middle School Competitions High School Competitions Overview and Rules: Duracell Scholarship Competition Intel Science Talent Search Intel Science & Engineering Fair (National & Regional) NASA Space Science Involvement Competition Siemens Westinghouse Science & Technology Competition Science Olympiad, etc. Toshiba Exploravision Sample Projects
1 Session	Student Opportunities	Summer Training Programs College Programs CTY Summer Opportunities Using the Internet Working With the Local College or University
1 Session	Wrap Up	Course Overview and Summary