Grades 4-12
Weekly meetings at RPI Thursdays, 4-6pm, Feb 25 – April 14
Poster session Saturday, April 16 Symposium Sunday, April 17
Applications and teacher references due Monday, February 1. Note that the application process can be initiated – and requests for references sent to teachers – before student essays are complete. Acceptances announced by Monday, February 8. Apply here.
2016 Research Theme: Cities and Environmental Sustainability
Students in grades 4-12 are invited to apply to RPI EcoEd’s Spring 2016 Research Program. This year’s focus will be on cities. Students will select a city (anywhere in the world) then explore its environmental history, current environmental footprint and problems, and possible pathways to greater environmental sustainability in the future. Students will use news articles, academic publications, interviews, and data provided by governments, international organizations, and NGOs in their research – learning to locate, analyze, evaluate and use research resources.
Each grade 4-12 student will have an RPI student as a mentor, and will move through a structured research process. Each student will produce a substantial written report (approximately 10-15 pages) and an annotated bibliography. Results will also be presented as a poster, and in an oral symposium presentation.
Much of the research and writing will be done as homework, and students will be expected to meet weekly deadlines. Student should expect approximately three hours of homework each week.
The program is free, but space is very limited. One recommendation from a teacher is required. Applications (including a teacher’s recommendation) are due February 1. Applicants will be informed of their acceptance by February 8.
Each application must include the following 1) an application form (including contact information for a teacher who can provide a recommendation) 2) four brief (2-300 words) essay responses to the questions provided. The application form should be submitted sufficiently in advance of the February 1 deadline to allow time for the designated teacher to submit a recommendation. Once the application form is submitted, the teacher will receive a recommendation request through email.
Please direct questions to Professor Kim Fortun at fortuk@rpi.edu.