Sophomore Year:

• Become actively involved in all available research related activities. Please subscribe and follow Mr. Lorusso’s website.
• Review the impact that science research has on the world and review the importance of following an organized “scientific process” in all research.
• Review potential science research areas and specific topics in S.T.E.A.M. related fields.
• Decide on the general area of research that will be your focus. 
• Find basic information about your chosen area of research through reading “popular articles” and following reliable social media accounts, ie. twitter. 
• Take in-depth notes and write summaries on the articles you have chosen. Create and use Google Keep. 
• Create an ongoing vocabulary lists for all terms within your chosen area of research.
• Document and log “outside” hours for research related activities.  Be prepared for bi-weekly meetings with your teacher. (See grade sheet for Honors vs. Regents credit requirements.)
• Narrow down your field of research.
• Find more extensive, detailed information about your topic by reading a minimum of 10 journal articles. 
• Present research from your chosen area in a timely matter to your classmates, via Google presentation or Google jamboard. Share presentation with teacher.
• Be proficient in database searches and finding applicable journal articles. Connect with the librarian.
• Contact a scientist or researcher that can serve as a mentor and guide you through a multi-year project.
• Create a resume to use when applying for a mentorship. 
• Organize and create a detailed summer research plan (including schedule, transportation & expenses).
• Attend a formal interview with the potential mentor to secure a spot for the upcoming summer(s). 
• Present your intended research. 

Sophomore Summer:

• Submit all necessary forms BEFORE you start your research.
• Spend a minimum of 90 hours performing research related activities under the guidance of your mentor. You may have to miss your family vacation. 
• Document all hours using your log/timesheet. 
• Start writing your research paper documenting your summer work. 
• Complete summer deadlines including progress notes and sections of research paper.

Junior Year:

• Finish and finalize Sophomore research and project work. 
• Document and maintain “in-class” and “outside” hours for research activities.
• Be prepared for bi-weekly meetings with your teacher. (See grade sheet for Honors vs. Regents credit requirements.)
• Continue an ongoing vocabulary lists for all terms within your chosen area of research.
• Continue to find more extensive and detailed information about your topic.
• Read exemplar research papers to gain a better understanding of how to improve your paper. 
• Continue to write your research paper so that you can submit it FALL competitions 
• Continue “running” your experiment or transition to next phase.
• Learn about statistical tests and use it to analyze your data
• Enter ALL possible  science competitions. 
• “Adopt” and assist your “R.A.T.S” with all aspects of their research.
• Present your current research at TZHS End-of-the-Year Science Symposium.

Junior Summer:

• Submit all necessary forms BEFORE you continue your research.
• Spend a minimum of 90 hours performing research related activities under the guidance of your mentor.
• Document all hours and start writing your research paper as you progress.
• Continue “running” your experiment or transition to the next phase.
• Start organizing your Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) research paper & application.  
• Complete summer deadlines including progress notes and sections of research paper.
• Fill out all forms and recommendations with your mentor in order to eligible for competitions.
• Finish the rough draft of your paper. Due August of your Junior year. 

 Senior Year:

• Finalize your research paper.
• Present your research at Board of Ed., PTSA, professional conferences, local organizations, etc…
• Finish “running” your experiment.
• Calculate and organize final data analysis of your research.
• Ask your mentor and teachers to write you evaluation letters for Regeneron STS.
• Enter all science competitions (Regeneron–STS, WESEF/ISEF, JSHS, Genius Olympiad, etc…)
• Evaluate the 3 year Science Research program and make suggestions for future improvements.
• Be a judge at the Somers Invitational Competition (usually 1st Saturday in June).
• Assist in organizing the TZHS End-of-the-Year Science Symposium.
• Present your research at the TZHS End-of-the-Year Science Symposium.