Guilderland
Science Research

Class Overview

Science Research is unlike any other opportunity at GHS.  While the class meets every other day, students also meet individually with their teachers every two weeks; the majority of the work is conducted independently.  Students choose any topic they want to research and are expected to pursue it enthusiastically in a professional manner.  Some of the work is expected to be completed during the summers following sophomore and junior years. Their work culminates in the writing of a final research paper in the fall of senior year and they are required to present their work at numerous scientific competitions and symposia.

Students who begin the class as sophomores have the ability to take the course for three years, which includes the opportunity to complete novel scientific research carried about by the student with the guidance of a research mentor.

Our course is affiliated with the University at Albany in the High School (UHS) program.  Students who commit to the course for all three years one of the available mentor pathways and successfully complete a research project are eligible for 12 college credits through UAlbany.  Although a popular option, students are not required to take the course for college credit.  Students may also complete a research project at the school level and earn 3 science credits.

To learn more about our course and see some of our current students in action, keep scrolling!  More information is also provided on the Program Pathways page.