They ask for suggestions for future research that they might undertake. As their relationship with the scientist develops, they ask the scientist to serve as a mentor or to help them find an appropriate scientist mentor to assist them in carrying out a research project. Students then engage in an original piece of research under the guidance of their scientist mentor and their classroom research teacher. The classroom teacher meets with individuals and the research class on a regular basis. The students communicate with scientist mentors, wherever they are, using electronic mail capabilities.
Students conduct statistical analyses using appropriate statistical computer software.
Students make presentations of their findings to their class, their school district, and at regional and statewide symposia. Each step in the student's progress is carefully and systematically monitored to assure that the student engages in each phase of scientific research and attains desired capabilities. Students should choose their area of scientific interest. They are required to read ten articles from magazines, newspapers, or books. From these articles the student must develop three questions.