A ONE Institute
Feb 10, 2024
From Middle School to Science Olympiads and Research
Today’s post is about the roadmap for an ordinary student to participate in science Olympiads and research. Don’t think of Olympiads or research as too difficult—this post provides an opportunity to understand them better, so please read it through.
At A-One Institute, we create videos to address questions that parents often have. Recently, many inquiries have been related to research and competitions in the field of science. Some wonder if being a gifted student is a prerequisite for participating in gifted programs. The answer is no.
So, how should you prepare? Let me guide you.
Science Curriculum
Classes:
When students reach higher grades and want to conduct research, there isn’t a specific curriculum available. However, I’ll explain our preparation process at A-One Institute.
We divide our curriculum into 1st Session and 2nd Session, covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. Each session typically spans 4-5 months, and completing both sessions takes a total of 8-10 months.
In the first session, students study Bio/Chem/Physics/Earth Science. Then, in the second session, they delve deeper into the same fields.
After completing both sessions, students are well-prepared for research in Biology and Chemistry. Following this sequence of our 4-session program, it takes approximately 1.5 to 2 years. The curriculum and class structure are summarized in the table below. While starting in 6th grade is ideal, adjustments can be made if you begin later, ensuring a solid foundation in science.
The most ideal path involves starting around 6th grade, completing all four sessions (covering Bio/Chem/Physics/Earth Science), and then applying for one or two competitions and science camps suitable for middle school students. This approach allows you to plan specific research topics.
Choosing a Research Topic:
Selecting a research topic can feel vague. Even within the 21 categories presented by ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair), limitations arise if you lack knowledge in a specific area. However, if you’ve followed our science curriculum, studying each field in-depth over two sessions, you’ll have a clearer idea for specific topics.
Here are some broad categories:
Biology-related categories
Chemistry-related categories
Physics-related categories
Earth Science-related categories
Within the ISEF categories, you’ll find ample room for topic selection. Studying all four science disciplines at A-One Institute during the two sessions will greatly assist you in this process.
Competition:
There are two main types of competitions: those based on quizzes/tests and those based on the submission of results.
Quiz/Test-Based Competitions:
National Science Bowl: Students participate in teams based on school recommendations. The competition covers a wide range of topics, including Bio/Chem/Physics/Earth Science. In-depth preparation is essential.
Science Olympiad: This is a prominent quiz/test-based competition covering various science disciplines.
Submission of Result-Based Competitions:
3M Young Scientist Challenge: Students choose a specific societal or scientifically solvable problem. They creatively develop a solution and document the process in a video submission. This competition offers substantial scholarships.
Cyber Mission: Similar to the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, this team-based competition focuses on solving real-world problems.
Apart from the mentioned competitions, there are many other competitions with diverse information. I’d be happy to provide more detailed explanations when the opportunity arises.
Camp: While many camps target talented kids, don’t be discouraged if you’re an ordinary student. Even though they’re often labeled as “gifted education” or “talented,” regular students can participate fully.
Davidson Institute
Davidson Institute is a slightly competitive camp, but it provides an excellent learning opportunity for students. As a nonprofit organization, the Davidson Institute offers a wide range of educational opportunities for talented students. Participants attend various classes and seminars based on their age group, engaging in activities with peers who share similar interests. It’s not limited to gifted students, so I recommend considering applying even if you’re an ordinary student.
CTD - Northwestern Center for Talent Development
CTD (Northwestern Center for Talent Development) is another camp program targeting gifted children. Their motto, “Gifted is not a state of being,” resonates with our belief that giftedness isn’t solely innate—it can be developed through effort. While some children are born with exceptional abilities, others achieve similar results through hard work. To participate in this camp, students must take standardized tests and submit essays. Additionally, they undergo cognitive assessments based on their age group. If you’re interested, I recommend exploring it further and considering participation.
By attending this camp, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in various activities related to the diverse topics shown in the image. If you have any other questions about different camps, feel free to contact our institute for detailed guidance.
Returning to our A-One Institute curriculum, students progress through two sessions of science learning, choose research topics, engage in research activities, and prepare for camps and competitions. Students who reach AP-level courses in a shorter period are recommended to participate in Olympiads. Keep in mind that winning awards in Olympiads can be challenging for first-timers, so planning for multiple participation is often necessary.
The table above lists selective science competitions and camps. Although these competitive programs often require research-based essays, research experience can benefit students in various ways, even if it doesn’t lead to published papers.
Remember that summer is an excellent time to nurture interests and extend learning beyond the school year. Thank you!