Encourage the young people in your life to explore science outside of a formal classroom setting. Here are a wealth of science and engineering programs to engage and excite kids—from Science Olympiad and First Robotics to Project Exploration and Science Minors at the Museum of Science and Industry.
- Adopt-a-Physicist
- Fairchild Challenge 2009- 2010
- High School Biology Contest
- Saturday Morning Physics
- Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Adopt-a-Physicist
Adopt-a-Physicist connects high school students with physics graduates via online message boards.
Audience: Students
Age Appropiateness: 14 to 18 years old
Science Topic: Physics
Partner: American Association of Physics Teachers
More information: http://www.adoptaphysicist.org/
Fairchild Challenge 2009-2010
The Fairchild Challenge is a free, contest for high school students that fosters interest in the environment by encouraging students to appreciate the beauty and value of nature; develop critical thinking skills; understand the need for biodiversity and conversation; tap community resources; become actively engaged citizens; and recognize that individuals do indeed make a difference.
Audience: Students
Age Appropiateness: 14 to 18 years old
Science Topic: Plants and the Environment
Partner: Chicago Botanic Garden
More information: http://www.chicagobotanic.org/fairchildchallenge/index.php
High School Biology Contest
Under the Biotechnology Institute's direction, the sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challange is the premier annual competition for high school students that recognizes outstanding research in biotechnology.
Audience: Students
Age Appropiateness: 14 to 18 years old
Science Topic: Biotechnology
Partner: Bio Tech Institute
More information: http://www.biotechinstitute.org/programs/biogeneius_challenge.html
Saturday Morning Physics
Interested in pursuing physics in college or as a career? Or maybe just curious about physics and want to learn more? In this 10-week program, high school seniors will participate in lectures, tours and discussions with researchers about cosmology, relativity and much more! You'll also visit the magnet facility, linear accelerators and other world-class equipment housed at Fermilab to gain fuller understanding and appreciation of the importance of modern physics. Students should sign-up with their physics teacher or contact Suzanne Weber at sweber@fnal.gov
Audience: Students
Age Appropiateness: 13 years old and up
Science Topic: Particle physics
Partner: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM (Saturdays)
Location: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Telephone: (630) 840-3000
Forest Preserve District of Cook Cook County High School Program
The High School Program connects teens to the mission of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County through meaningful and continuing service-learning opportunities. Teens learn about the mission to protect, restore and restock 68,000 acres of nature and discover how they can Get Outside, Get Active, and Give Back.
Audience: High School Students
Age Appropriateness: School Aged Youth
Science Topic: Conservation
Partner: Cook County Forest Preserve
Date(s): Ongoing
Time: After School
Location: Various Locations
Telephone: 773-631-1730 ext 12
More information: http://www.fpdccvolunteers.org/ " target="_blank"> http://www.fpdccvolunteers.org/
