Download

List of 2 news stories.

Upper School
US Curriculum
Science

Independent Science Research Program

Established in 2015, the Independent Science Research Program at Hackley provides students with a passion for science the opportunity to participate in authentic scientific research in a genuine setting.
This three-year program is designed to give students first-hand experience in conducting research, thus bridging the gap between a traditional high school science curriculum and the process behind real-world scientific discoveries.

Students accepted in the program will spend each summer after their sophomore and junior years working closely with research scientists to conduct self-designed experiments, either in an academic, medical or industrial lab. The program culminates with the students submitting their results to regional, national and/or international science and engineering fairs.

Students prepare for the challenges of conducting research during the school year by learning foundational skills such as performing proper literature reviews, reading and analyzing data, and presenting results. The program also aids students in identifying and contacting potential mentors at universities and research facilities. Once a student has paired with a mentor, they work together to design an experiment to be carried out over the summer. Ideally, the mentor and student find the experience mutually rewarding, so they can continue working together throughout the academic year in preparation for future experiments during subsequent summers.
     
     

Independent Research Program

List of 4 items.

  • Independent Science Research Program: Overview

    The Independent Science Research Program (ISRP) at Hackley is an opportunity for students to complete independent, collegiate-level scientific research in a genuine research setting. This is a three-year program, where each student in the program will design and execute their own experiments in science, math or computer science. The program focuses on teaching students the skills of performing proper literature reviews, designing experiments, analyzing data and presenting results to an audience. The program will culminate in students submitting their work for regional and national science and engineering fairs.

    The majority of the experiments will take place at research facilities off-campus during the summers after the sophomore and junior years; students must be willing to commit at least 6-8 weeks (most likely consecutive) of each summer to their research.

    While the program will help students reach out to mentors at these off-campus sites, ultimately, it is the responsibility of the student to find and secure internships for both summers. If a student cannot find placement for the summer after junior year, the student will not be able to return to the program for senior year.

    Students must apply and be accepted into this three-year program. We expect to accept approximately two to five rising sophomores each year. The application process will begin early spring of 9th grade. Students should see Dr. Ying with questions.

  • Independent Science Research 10

    5 meetings per eight-day cycle/3 credits

    Approval via an application process.

    This course is the first-year course for the Independent Research Program. The goals of this course are for students to decide on their independent research project and to contact potential mentors to host them for the following summer. The course focuses on basic skills associated with research, such as literature reviews, designing and conducting experiments, data analysis and presenting their results to an audience. Students are expected to be motivated to work efficiently and independently throughout the course.

  • Independent Science Research 11

    5 meetings per eight-day cycle/3 credits
    Prerequisite: Independent Science Research 10 and permission of the instructor

    This course is the second-year course for the Independent Science Research Program. The goals of this course are for students to finalize their research project for the program and to secure a mentor to guide their research for the following summer. Students continue to hone their skills in analyzing and presenting data in the form of written reports and presentations. They will also serve as mentors for students in ISRP 10. At the end of the year, students will be expected to present their results in local science competitions. Students are expected to be motivated to work efficiently and independently throughout the year.

  • Independent Science Research 12

    5 meetings per eight-day cycle/3 credits
    Prerequisite: Independent Science Research 11 and permission of the instructor

    This course is the final course of the Independent Science Research Program. The goal of this course is for students to submit their work to regional and national competitions. The deadlines of these competitions are during the first trimester of school, which coincide with early decision college application deadlines. As such, students need to be highly motivated and be able to work independently. During the latter half of the year, students will be expected to serve as mentors for students in ISRP 10 and 11.

List of 1 news stories.

  • ISRP Application Process

    Students apply to the program during their freshman year, and are evaluated on their academic accomplishments and essays that demonstrate their passion for science.
    Read More

ISRP Application FAQs

List of 7 frequently asked questions.

  • What is the time commitment for this program?

    Each year, the students will be enrolled in a major course that meets 5 of 8 days per cycle (as with Math, Language, Science, History and English). Since it is a major class, students will have minimal free periods to do their homework or meet with teachers During the summers between sophomore/junior and junior/senior years, students are expected to work 6-8 continuous weeks in a laboratory.

  • Does the program have internships / mentors / lab placements for the students during the summer already lined up?

    No, it is the responsibility of the student to secure a mentor / lab placement for the summers. The program guides the students in the background research, and helps students gain the necessary skills to be competitive in finding a mentor / lab.

  • Are there homework, quizzes or tests?

    There is nightly homework of 30 minutes (max) per night. There are no quizzes, tests or exams associated with this class. However, students and parents need to be aware that since it is a major class, students will have minimal free periods to do their homework or meet with teachers.

  • What if the student does not find a mentor/lab placement for the summer?

     If the student does not have a mentor/lab placement for the summer between 10th/11th grade, there is no consequence except they will not have had the lab experience. If the student does not have a mentor/lab placement for 11th/12th grade summer, they will not be allowed to participate in their senior year.

  • How do students decide on what project they want to pursue? Are they assigned a projects?

    Students pursue projects based on their individual interests, within reason. No projects are assigned. The program may guide students away from certain projects if they do not seem feasible, or if the safety of the student or community is at risk, the project topic will not be allowed.

  • Can students switch projects, or are they locked in for 3 years?

    Students may change projects at any time. However, it is highly encouraged that students continue working on the same projects for at least a year to fully develop it. Projects that stay similar in scope in the three years will likely be stronger by the end of the program.

  • Can students leave after 1 year?

    Yes, there is no requirement to complete all three years. However, only students that are passionate about completing scientific research are encouraged to apply.
Visit the Independent Science Research Program page to read about alumni visits, ISRP in the news and much more.

Hackley School

293 Benedict Avenue
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914-366-2600
© Hackley School | Privacy Policy & Terms of Use & Nondiscrimination Hackley School is a registered 501(3)c