Research

Across multiple grade levels and research experiences, students progressively
develop and refine the following skills:

• Understanding how scientific knowledge builds over time through prior
• research
• Locating, evaluating, and synthesizing scientific literature
• Distinguishing between primary and secondary sources
• Developing researchable questions and identifying relevant variables
• Designing investigations or research approaches appropriate to the
• discipline
• Managing long-term projects through goal-setting, timelines, and revision
• Applying laboratory, analytical, or modeling techniques
• Analyzing data and drawing evidence-based conclusions
• Communicating scientific ideas through formal writing, oral presentation,
• and visual displays
• Using ethical research practices, including accurate citation and avoidance
• of plagiarism, particularly in the age of generative artificial intelligence
• Collaborating effectively within research teams
• Presenting research to authentic audiences beyond the classroom

All KAMSC students complete a minimum of three years of structured
research experiences embedded within the ninth-, tenth-, and eleventh-grade
science courses. Successful completion of these projects earns a credit titled
KAMSC Research Science, which reflects sustained engagement with
scientific inquiry rather than a single course or elective. Across the three-year
sequence, students receive instruction in locating and evaluating scientific
literature, technical writing, experimental design, and data analysis, while
completing and presenting original research projects.