Research Opportunities Database for High School Students
A comprehensive guide to research opportunities and science competitions available for high school students across the US. We've compiled a detailed list of research opportunities by region, subject and institution below!
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Brown Environmental Leadership Labs
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The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) offers a two-week program for students in grades 10 to 12, focusing on environmental studies, ecology, and leadership. Participants explore Alaska's landscapes, studying Native history, ecosystems, and climate change impacts while fostering socially responsible leadership. Beginning in Anchorage, the journey includes visits to cultural sites and culminates in a stay at the Peterson Bay Field Station. Students identify pressing issues and develop action plans with instructor support. The program emphasizes communal living and engagement with nature, limiting cell phone use to enhance mindfulness and build friendships. Site visits are weather-dependent, with moderate physical activity expected daily. Accommodations range from residence halls to bunk beds in yurts, with most meals provided in dining halls. Students engage in daily community tasks and attend workshops and field trips, with structured free time for reflection and team-building. The schedule includes morning lessons, afternoon sessions, and evening activities, fostering a comprehensive learning experience.
Bioscience Immersion: Exploring Infectious Diseases
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Wake Forest University offers a comprehensive online Bioscience course delving into the study of infectious diseases. Participants aged 13 and above explore diseases like Covid-19, tuberculosis, and HIV, understanding their causes, treatments, and epidemiological tracing. Led by experienced instructors and mentors, students engage in scientific research, study the history of major discoveries, and learn about molecular mechanisms of infection. The program emphasizes practical skills development, including database research, communication, and presentation abilities. Through a flexible online format, participants complete engaging multimedia simulations and assignments, culminating in a capstone project where they present their understanding of an infectious disease. Ideal for aspiring medical professionals, researchers, and science enthusiasts, the course provides valuable insights into careers related to infectious diseases.
The Mystery and Science of Human Behavior: A Comprehensive Psychology Course
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Wake Forest University offers "The Mystery and Science of Human Behavior: An Insider's Guide to Psychology," a comprehensive online course designed for students aged 13 and above. Through multiple 1-, 2-, and 4-week sessions, participants delve into the fundamentals of psychology, exploring topics such as perception, unconscious emotion, memory reliability, psychological disorders, and more. Led by experienced instructors and supported by mentors, students engage in hands-on activities, conduct psychological surveys, and develop a final Capstone project. The course emphasizes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and practical application, empowering learners to understand human behavior, identify biases, and think like psychologists. Upon completion, participants earn a Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University, positioning them for future academic and professional pursuits in psychology or related fields.
Women's Medicine Online Course
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Wake Forest University offers an immersive online course titled "Women’s Medicine: An Inside Look at Treatment, Intervention, and Surgery." Designed for students aged 13 and above, the program delves into the unique aspects of women's health, covering topics such as female anatomy, contraception methods, pregnancy stages, surgical conditions, and gender-specific health differences. Led by experienced instructors and mentors, participants engage in flexible learning with video lectures, simulations, and curated assignments. The course culminates in a capstone project where students demonstrate their understanding and insights into women's healthcare. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate from Wake Forest University. This comprehensive program equips aspiring healthcare professionals with essential knowledge and skills to understand and address the diverse healthcare needs of women.
Sports Medicine: Understanding Major Injuries & Treatments
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Wake Forest University offers an online Sports Medicine course providing comprehensive insights into major sports injuries and their treatments. Through engaging modules, participants learn to diagnose and manage common injuries like ACL tears, shoulder dislocations, and concussions. Real-life case studies of professional athletes enrich the learning experience, offering insights into injury management and recovery outcomes. The course also explores career opportunities in sports medicine, culminating in a final project where participants diagnose and propose treatment plans for sports-related injuries. With flexible learning options and mentor support, this program equips students aged 13+ with valuable knowledge and skills in sports medicine, making it ideal for aspiring healthcare professionals, including future orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers, and sports physicians.
Making the Rounds: An Insider’s Guide to Becoming a Doctor
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Wake Forest University offers an online course designed for high school students, providing an immersive exploration into the world of medicine. Led by Wake Forest School of Medicine professors, Dr. Lindsay Strowd and Dr. Roy Strowd, the program delves into patient care, heart anatomy, social factors contributing to heart disease, and medical treatment processes. Participants gain insights into hospital operations and various healthcare professions, assessing their fit for a career in medicine. With flexible scheduling and mentoring support, students engage in multimedia learning, culminating in a Capstone project. Upon completion, students receive a Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University.
Exploring Oncology: A Comprehensive Online Course
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Wake Forest University offers an immersive online course titled "Cancer: An Inside Look at Caring, Curing and Treating," designed for students aged 13 and above interested in the medical field. Delve into the journey of cancer patients, from diagnosis to treatment, understanding genetics' role, diagnostic techniques, various treatment modalities, emotional impacts, survivorship, and alternative therapies. Led by experienced faculty from Wake Forest School of Medicine, including Dr. Lindsay Strowd and Dr. Roy Strowd, students benefit from mentorship, engaging multimedia content, and a final capstone project. This flexible, 2-week course, priced at $1295, offers insights into oncology careers and is ideal for aspiring physicians, nurses, therapists, and healthcare professionals.
Business: Strategy & Innovation Online Course
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Wake Forest University offers an online course focusing on business strategy and innovation, featuring insights from successful companies like Netflix and Apple. Geared towards high school students aged 13 and above, the program covers key aspects such as business model development, innovation analysis, customer experience evaluation, and strategic effectiveness. Participants learn from distinguished instructors Dr. Dan Fogel and Lee Weiss, alongside mentoring from industry professionals. The course includes engaging video content, interactive projects, and a final Capstone project for practical application of learning. Flexible scheduling allows students to access materials at their convenience. Upon completion, students earn a certificate of completion from Wake Forest University, enhancing their understanding of modern business practices and fostering strategic thinking skills.
Cosmic Evolution: Exploring the Origins and Fate of the Universe
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This 5-week program delves into the evolution of the universe, starting from its inception in a cosmic explosion to the development of life on Earth and potentially other planets. Covering big-bang cosmology, galaxy formation, star evolution, planetary dynamics, and the emergence of life and intelligence, the course integrates insights from physics, astronomy, geology, chemistry, biology, and anthropology. Topics include black holes, quasars, and relativity theory. Led by instructor Wei Zheng, the material provides a descriptive exploration of cosmic phenomena, offering pre-college and undergraduate students a comprehensive understanding of the universe's past, present, and potential future.
Exploring Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity
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Delve into the mind-bending concepts of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity in this advanced residential course designed for students in grade 9 and above. Discover how the theory challenges classical Newtonian mechanics, uncovering truths about the nature of time, space, and energy. Through interactive class discussions and problem-solving sessions, participants explore topics such as relativistic kinematics and dynamics, the principle of relativity, light postulates, and Minkowski space. By delving into the mathematical underpinnings of Einstein's theory, students gain insights into the workings of the universe and its fundamental principles. With a typical class size of 18-20, this intensive program fosters a collaborative learning environment where participants can engage deeply with the complexities of modern physics.
What is a Research Project?
A research project is a structured and systematic investigation into specific topic or question. It involves a series of planned activities. Research projects often require students to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, surveys, or literature reviews, and present their findings in a clear and organized manner. These projects foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper appreciation for the research process. They provide students with valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to contribute to their field of interest while enhancing their academic and personal growth.
Why do a research project as a high school student?
Research projects can play a pivotal role in shaping the academic journey and future prospects of high school students. Engaging in research while still in school not only helps students discover their passions but also significantly enhances their chances of successful college admissions.
Exploring research projects allows high school students to delve into various fields of study, providing them with a firsthand experience of what truly interests them. This hands-on exposure aids in identifying their passions and helps them make informed decisions when selecting a college major or career path. It's a crucial step in personal and academic development.
Moreover, active participation in research demonstrates dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to go beyond the standard curriculum, qualities highly valued by college admissions committees. Admissions officers are often impressed by applicants who have shown initiative and a genuine interest in learning through research experiences. These opportunities can set students apart from their peers and greatly improve their chances of gaining admission to their dream colleges.
Ready to start your own research project?
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We're so excited that you're interested in pursuing a path in research. Polygence is an online research academy dedicated to democratizing access to research opportunities for high school students. Whether you are interested in quantitative biology, fashion history, or privacy law, expert Polygence mentors will help you explore your area of interest.