Aaron De Chiara, reporter
@AaronDCourant
The Science research class presents opportunities for exploration and education for those truly passionate about the various scientific fields. The class offers an opportunity to do in-depth research into specific studies beyond the typical science courses offered. Some topics vary from theories of black holes to the mechanisms of CRISPR.
Junior Will Pepe is taking science research this year and has used the class as an opportunity to examine several complex scientific topics. ”I’ve done a couple of projects about our natural barriers and how it affects brook and brown trout in native waterways. I also recently studied cloud seeding which is a weather-modification technique where pieces of the substrate are added into the sky to make it rain or snow more.”
Image by Xander Walther
Taking the class gives students flexibility that they normally wouldn’t get in core science classes. “It’s an extra science class so it gives you the opportunity to study things in science and STEM that you normally wouldn’t get to study in your regular physics, chemistry, or biology class,” Ave said. “We meet probably twice the rotation and only for half of it so it seems like a lot but as long as you have everything planned outright it’s really easy,” Senior Ava Biassoti said.
Science research teacher, Ms. Zych also believes that the class is very significant in the sense that it helps students understand the scientific world and a career within it. “A lot of kids who take scientific research get a foothold in the field and some of them take internships which gives them extra confidence and experience that they can use if they pursue science research in college,” she said.
Some students feel that the class is a great way to help them find their specific interests in the scientific world. “Following on the science research class I actually plan on majoring in astrophysics in college. Almost all of my research presentations have been about this topic so far so I really think that this class is giving me a jumpstart on my research into that topic,” Ava said.
The class is structured in a way that is meant to prioritize the student’s individual interests in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. “There is no textbook or tests, there is just research on a topic you’re interested in,” Ms. Zych said. “There is no curriculum per se, it’s really a student-driven course which gives kids an opportunity to learn about topics in science they wouldn’t otherwise explore in standard classes.”
Science research provides a unique opportunity for students to gain a head start on exploring their interests in potential scientific careers. “That’s the beauty about science research, you can truly delve into a bunch of different topics and figure out what you actually like,” Will said.
