Teacher Support
Supporting students reading research articles
More advanced students in high school may want to read original research articles they may find through library research databases, such as those available in NC Live (in North Carolina). Here is some basic guidance:
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Video Guide to find and read an article---and go from a news story to a scientific research article....and tips for making sense out of complex STEM research articles Posted by Bob Gotwals of NCSSM.
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Visual Handout on how to read a research article (tied to the video)
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Brief Guided Questions Sheet (make a copy and edit or long version to support student comprehension while reading.
Remember, students will encounter research articles TOO complex for non-experts (even those with a bachelors degree, or even more advanced degrees in the topic) to understand. Focus on research published in journals that seek broader audiences (example all engineers, or all environmental engineers) than very specialized articles meant for only very technical experts in a sub-field of a field of study to understand.
Connecting student to summer research opportunities
Organizations do share lists of opportunities for students to do research, but many opportunities offered by universities have a very high cost. Below are more accessible and equitable resources
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Low Cost NC Summer Opportunities. NCSSM Distance Ed curates a list of low/no cost or paid opportunities in research as well as non-research internships or skill building opportunities.
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NC STEM Center shares a variety of short and long-term opportunities to engage in STEM Research
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NC Science Festival provides opportunities to meet experts, scientists, and researchers to further shape your interests.
Identifying low-cost to remote projects
Regeneron, another STEM research competition, shares advice on 'doing research at home'
What grades can present?
The middle school event is for grades 6-8; the high school event is for grades 9-12. Students present and share in their grade event. Winners at the state level in the high school event can advance to participate in a national gathering of winners at a national science conference for professionals (AAAS).
What does the 'advanced' category mean?
The 'advanced' category is for students that received more additional support in completing their project .
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The student spent or received gifts worth more than $200 for the project in addition to materials provided by the school (audio-visual supplies are excluded).
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The student researcher worked under the direct supervision of an employee of a hospital, college or university, commercial laboratory or industry, or a professional research organization.
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The student used a data base of which a substantial portion was obtained from instrumentation or other procedures that the student researcher did not personally operate or perform.
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The project is a continuation of a study for which results have previously been reported by other students
If a teacher has significant expertise in the topic of a student's project (well beyond general background knowledge of the related field of study), they can reach out to the Regional Director to determine if it is appropriate for the 'advanced' category.
How can students get engaged in research?
The NC Collaborative for Advancing Student-Led Research Team has offered several sessions in Fall 2022. Check out our session recording.
There are four large research competitions in North Carolina!
NC Science and Engineering Fair
NC Student Academy of Science (this site)
More questions...
Reach out to thomas@ncssm.edu