Science Seminar at Wachusett Regional High School
Science Seminar is currently enjoying its 56th year at WRHS. The goal of Science Seminar is to expose students interested in science to a wide range of science topics, current research, and opportunities to improve their own research and experimental projects. This organization meets every Tuesday night from 7 PM to 9 PM. During the first hour, students listen to a speaker. Generally, the speaker is a working scientist sharing his/her research. Speakers are from all areas of science. During the lecture hour of Seminar students learn about current research. This allows them to gain more knowledge in all scientific fields. Students are also encouraged to evaluate other scientific and technological evidence and explanations.
During the second hour, students work with advisors to get advice on their Science Fair projects. Advisors to Science Seminar are not WRHS faculty, but scientists from the community who volunteer their time and expertise.
Meeting Times
Alternating Tuesday evenings 7-9 pm
Speaker 7-8 pm
Advising session 8-9 pm
Place
Rooms H103-H105 at WRHS
(Come in the Gym doors -these two rooms are right next to the Nurse’s office)
Advisors:
Dr. Brian Kelch- Associate Professor in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology Department of UMass Chan Medical School- brian.kelch@umassmed.edu
Dr. Graham Ansell - Organic Chemist/Consultant - gansell7@gmail.com
Dr. David Willens - Research and Development Head Kinefac- davewillens@gmail.com
Mr. Matthew Scannell - Retired from Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant -
Mrs. Monika Mangsen-
Dr. Keith Darrow - Neuroscientist and Audiologist -
Winning students at the WRHS Fair are eligible to attend the Regional Science Fair at WPI. Those winners go on to the State Science Fair at MIT. WRHS has had several students represent the state of Massachusetts at the International Fair.
All science curricula at Wachusett include an inquiry approach as set by the learning standards. Science Seminar builds on this knowledge gained in the classroom. In designing their independent science project Seminar students make decisions about the range and number of independent variables and how to control other variables in designing experiments. They select and use common and specialized tools to measure the dependent variable and select appropriate methods of recording and interpreting data. Many students borrow sophisticated equipment from the classroom to carry out their experiment. They apply measurement and data collection techniques they have learned, as well as analysis and interpretation of data through the use of tables, models, demonstrations and graphs. From this interpretation of their data they must draw conclusions for which there is supporting evidence and understand that any conclusions can be challenged by further evidence. When they enter the science fair and explain their project to the judges they must select appropriate means for representing, communicating, and defending a scientific and technological argument.
Seminar Schedule
Week of September 13th-Entrance Exam-please ask your science teacher for specifics.Exams given in rooms D115, D107
Oct. 17th - 1st Seminar - Introductions and Advising
October 31st Speaker- Erika Mangsen - Mortuary Science
FORM NIGHT FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS
Nov. 14th Speaker- Caroline Muirhead -
Nov. 28th Speaker -
FORMS DUE FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS
Dec. 12th - No Speaker - ADVISING ONLY
Dec. 26th- No Seminar
Jan. 2nd - Speaker - Michele Lemons
Jan. 23rd - No Speaker - ADVISING ONLY
Feb. 6th - Outlining Fair Expectations and Advising
Feb. 13th - Final Advising
Feb 20TH - No Seminar Vacation
February 27th - WRHS Science Fair 3PM-9PM in WRHS Cafeteria
Week of March 7th- Regional Science and Engineering Fair, WPI
First Weekend of April Massachusetts State Science and Engineering Fair, Gillette Stadium
Entering Science Fair?? Form tutorial --click here.
Science Fair FAQ---click here