Research and Internship

Leading the Way to the Real World

Developing avenues for curricular applications to real world experiences is crucial for 21st century learners. To that end, The Academy of Math, Science & Technology at Kennesaw Mountain High School developed two post-AP courses that propel students into the real scientific world. The courses (see descriptions below), are blocked back to back. Students may have a morning or afternoon internship. During the required 13-week internship period, students must log at least 9 hours per week at the site, and the rest of the time is spent developing their original research projects. The capstone for this experience is a juried presentation of their research at the end of the semester.

Scientific Research IV, blocked with Advanced Science Internship, provides highly motivated and qualified students the skills necessary for advanced science research. Students read professional scientific literature and translate this information into applicable research topics and projects. Advanced knowledge and skills acquired from AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, or AP Physics are applied to topics explored in this course. Students participate in laboratory research either by developing and executing their own research project or by participating in an on-going research project with a science mentor. The target population consists of students who have completed magnet courses in Biology, Chemistry, AP Science courses, and have made a commitment to advanced collegiate studies.

Advanced Scientific Internship, blocked with Science Research IV, is a post AP course in which advanced academic students have opportunities to understand the processes through the careful planning of research, data collection, analysis and interpretation of experimental results gained from working with professionals in their chosen area of interest. This course is equivalent to a college freshman course in both rigor and relevance.

Purpose of the Internship Program

To provide Academy seniors with the opportunity to experience science, math, and technology research in the workplace.
To provide these seniors with hands-on, real-world opportunities in their related areas of interest.
To provide students the opportunity to apply theory, knowledge, and acquired skills through work experience utilizing equipment, instruments, techniques, and information not available at school.
To provide students the opportunity to plan, implement, and document a senior project in a research environment working with professionals in their chosen fields.
To provide mentoring partners with highly talented, motivated, and trustworthy students as interns.
To provide a “win-win” situation for both students and interning partners.

Expectations and Responsibilities

Students:

Will work with mentors to develop projects and contributions that are of value to the interning firms and to them.
Will be highly motivated and focused on career and educational goals.
Will exhibit a high degree of maturity, responsibility, and integrity.
Will be trustworthy and responsible in handling proprietary and confidential information related to their internships.
Will provide their own transportation to their off-campus internships.
Will have successfully completed all necessary prerequisite coursework.
Will exhibit a working proficiency in major technological skills deemed necessary to work in the internship setting.

Research/Internship

Research/Internship will be blocked back to back (1st & 2nd or 3rd & 4th)
Research will relate to internship