Science Research Program
At Pawling High School, the Science Research Program is one of the most difficult courses a student can take. With its college-level work and independent research requirements, it is widely known to be one of the most hectic and burdensome classes in the school. However, the course adds several points to a student’s GPA, as well as having the possibility of earning up to twelve college credits in science for most SUNY schools. The students who take Science Research all work on their own fields of study independently, with guidance from their mentors, who are top scientists in their fields. Many students also say that the course provides them with many new skills, such as time management and work ethic. It is a three-year course, and students are allowed opportunities such as traveling for competitions, designing complex experiments, the ability to win money or prizes, and working with the top experts in their field of study.
Students’ mentors can come from anywhere, from the Trevor Zoo to University of Maryland. Students can choose any field of science, from genetic disorders, to alternative energy sources. Some students are working in new fields, such as the long-term effects of sports injuries on mental health. The students are allowed to follow their scientific passions and curiosities, such as answering previously unanswered questions about the long-term effects of sports injuries on mental health. In any other science class, students have to find a defined set of answers. In Science Research, there is no definite answer. It allows them to pursue something that they may never have a chance to study, if their normal science class does not cover it. Some students may be looking for mentors, others may be setting up data collection, or even publishing their work.
The Science Research Program is mixed level, with sophomores, juniors, and seniors chaotically asking teacher Gillian Rinaldo questions and working on their individual assignments, scattered across the room. Pawling High School administration approached Rinaldo about creating the program four years ago, due to the fact that she did research when she was in college. Ms. Rinaldo has been teaching at Pawling for five years. She has formed a special bond with her students, going as far as to describe them as being her family. They all come to her with all matters, personal and academic. To put it in her words, “Sometimes I'm a counselor, a psychologist, a friend or a teacher.” When asked, they all described her as kind, fun and energetic. Ms. Rinaldo is certainly not an easy teacher, nor will she tolerate students’ laziness, but she remains upbeat and easy-going.
For students who are interested in joining Science Research, it is recommended to talk to any upperclassmen who take the program. They can give information about joining and the expectations for the class. However, students should not sign up for Science Research unless they are completely serious about committing to the work. The workload is heavy, and students must be able to handle the intensity of the program. If not, students will be forced to drop the class. On the other hand, if students are able to persevere through the work load, it will pay off. This program is great for students who have a love for anything science. It will present new challenges, and help to gain the skills to overcome them. For students who are passionate about science, it gives them the opportunity to be creative with a subject they love.