Expanding Your Horizons in Scientific Research
As a senior high school student, you're at the perfect age to start exploring scientific research. While it can seem daunting, especially with the myriad resources and expertise required, there are practical steps you can take to make meaningful contributions. Whether conducting experiments, participating in citizen science projects, or enrolling in university lab internships, you can gain valuable experience and insight into your chosen field.
Choosing a Problem and Acquiring Expert Help
One of the most crucial steps in conducting scientific research is identifying a manageable problem. Look for issues that don't require extensive resources and aren't likely to require advanced expertise. It's a common practice for senior scientists to offer their knowledge and work to their children’s school projects for national or international competitions, but it’s important to understand that achieving high quality output without external support is unlikely.
When facing that lack of support, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. Your science teachers might have connections with local universities or research institutions where you can conduct lab internships or participate in research projects. Universities are often welcoming to high school students, offering non-credit courses and projects that allow you to get involved in real scientific research.
Conducting Experiments and Participating in Competitions
While it might be tempting to shy away from complex experiments, don't let the fear of triviality or repetition deter you. Even simple and well-known experiments can contribute valuable data and insights. Engage in competitions and expositions as part of your training, rather than solely focusing on winning. The primary goal should be to perform and explain the experiments effectively and thoroughly.
Unfortunately, the current landscape presents significant challenges when it comes to direct involvement in laboratory research. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, insurance requirements, and concerns about working with minors can limit the practical application. However, resources still exist for students like you to get involved in scientific research.
Diving into Citizen Science
The internet and scientific community have democratized scientific research, presenting numerous opportunities for students to engage. Citizen science projects, where volunteers contribute data collection, analysis, and other tasks, are gaining popularity. These projects empower students to make real contributions to scientific knowledge from the comfort of their homes.
SciStarter, for example, lists over 1476 active projects across various fields, from data collection and analysis to even complex tasks like classifying interstellar dust. Other organizations like ScienceUnited and BOINC partner with world-class research projects in areas such as astronomy, astrophysics, biology, and climate change. Zooniverse offers a wide range of projects, from galaxy classification to hunting for planets and analyzing historic documents.
Multinational organizations like NASA and National Geographic also offer citizen science opportunities, allowing students to participate in cutting-edge research. For instance, NASA and National Geographic often engage in projects that require citizen participation, providing valuable data and insights that can significantly impact scientific understanding.
Concluding Remarks
Scientific research, whether through traditional methods or citizen science, is an excellent way for senior high school students to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to the scientific community. Embrace the opportunities available, stay curious, and don't be afraid to ask for help. With dedication and a willingness to learn, you can make meaningful contributions to science.