All high school students that wish to continue onto college are seeking opportunities to be
competitive in the college market. They participate in extra-curricular activities which are seen to
foster creativity and the skills necessary to do well in the college environment. In the case of
students with an interest in physics, participating in a small scale research project while in high
school gives them the hands on experience and ultimately prepares them more for the college
experience. SUNY Plattsburgh’s Physics department started a five-week summer program for high school
students in 2012. This program has proved not only beneficial for students while in the program, but
also as they continue on in their development as scientists/engineers. Independent research, such as
that offered by SUNY Plattsburgh’s five-week summer program, offers students a feel and taste of the
culture of doing research, and life as a scientist. It is a short-term, risk free way to investigate
whethe…