Independent Scientific Research (ISR) is an honors science course designed to provide the upper level science student an opportunity to perform authentic independent scientific research. This is done under the guidance of a faculty research advisors. Possible research topics are selected from a variety of disciplines,including the biological, physical, chemical and engineering sciences. Students identify their topics of research, form hypotheses or design goals, conduct experiments, analyze results, and report their findings through written and oral presentations.
Students are expected to enter their research in local, state, and national competitions. The course is open mainly to junior and seniors who have demonstrated successful completion of advanced science course work with a heavy emphasis on laboratory experience. Students are chosen to participate in the course based on their submitted portfolios, including written research proposals, which are evaluated by a faculty committee during the spring prior to enrollment in the course.