KIDS4STEM
Ordinary kids.
Extraordinary
achievements.
Advanced Science Research in the
High School Classroom: A Course in Life.
How might your life
have been different?
Imagine if you had been offered the chance in high school to research any topic in the world that you loved, as long as it had variables that could be measured. Perhaps genetics, engineering, astrophysics, social science, botany, paleontology, computer science or marine science. Now imagine if you had been guided through the creation of a complex piece of original research work that allowed you to hold never-before seen knowledge in your hands for the first time. Imagine if, along the way, you learned how to read the scientific literature, contact top researchers from around the world, and become an effective communicator of advanced scientific ideas. Imagine what it would have been like to grow so much in your abilities that you could discuss your scientific work like a graduate student, when you were only seventeen years old. This is the reality of Advanced Science Research in the Classroom. Let me show you how to create a world-class, multi-grade, science course that can empower your students and open the door to national and global recognition for your students, for your district and for your community.
Advanced Science Research in the Classroom:
Cultivates Literacy
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Searching the literature
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Reading journal articles
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Discerning what's pertinent
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Understanding statistics
Invites Ownership
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Finding a personal passion
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Pondering, exploring, trying
Promotes Communication
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Scientific fluency
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Effective presentations
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University-level posters
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Handling hard questions
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Generating understanding
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Speaking with professionals
Is Student-Centered
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Mixed grades 10-12
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Interdependence
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Student-as-Expert
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Teacher-as-guide
Offers Grading that Holds
Students Self-accountable
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Collaborative assessment
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Personal responsibility
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Using failure to grow
Uses Competition to Develop Facility with Planning and Deadlines
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Science Talent Search
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Science & Engineering Fair
Involves the School Community
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Formal Symposium
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Utilizing parent expertise
Is Non-elitist
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Anyone with grit and heart
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All ability levels
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Past grades are irrelevant
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Gender inclusive
About David
I am passionate about the transformative power of scientific inquiry. I spent the first half of my career teaching over a dozen science courses in grades six through twelve, at a lighthouse school district on Long Island, New York, where I also served as science department head. It was there that I was first introduced to the powerful construct of teaching university-level science research to teens. After being recruited by the late Dr. Robert Pavlica, one of the pioneers in science research education, I left Long Island to direct an internationally recognized public school science research program in Westchester, New York. There, I spent twelve years refining the pedagogy of effective science research instruction by collaborating with a group of remarkable and dedicated teachers. Since then, I have worked with public and private school districts to create world-class research programs and to offer professional development in advanced science research instruction. I hold teaching certificates in multiple states, including School Building Leader (SBL) in New York, and I have been a presenter of best practice at the High School Research Teacher's Conference in Washington, DC. I hold a degree in psychology and an advanced degree in science education. In my off-hours, I can be found decompressing by sailing and running in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and practicing swing dance.
Services
Want to start a powerful national-level Science Research program?
Let's partner to create a world-class experience for your students. We can work together to implement a pedagogically powerful program from the first year, while avoiding dozens of common pitfalls. I offer complete teacher training to create a customizable two or three year advanced science research elective that will have your students conducting original research at the university level before their senior year of high school. Imagine students creating incredible projects with mentors who they themselves have found and contacted. Imagine students of all abilities collaborating in the classroom to make each other the best they can be. I can create a highly effective curriculum framework that will propel your students towards stellar science achievement literally from day one. We can effectively integrate the course with your district’s Mission Statement, in a way that will actively involve students, parents, and community members in the learning process. We can inculcate strong self-reliance and resiliency through a student-centered grading system that encourages the academic risk-taking required of innovative scientific inquiry, while simultaneously holding each student personally accountable to themselves, to their work, and to their classmates.
Looking to take an existing research program to the next level?
Save time and money with effective targeted professional development for teachers:
Strategies for STS/ISEF/JSHS
Student-centered grading
Effective mentor communications
Honing student presentation skills
Utilizing parents as a resource
Teaching kids to find strong mentors
Inculcating personal responsibility
Students critiquing students
Editing/writing skills for teachers
Time management for teachers
What Teachers Are Saying
"Science Research has become my passion and life's work. As a veteran teacher of a successful program, I was always looking to become better, especially when it came to scientific paper writing. I would always look to my peers running similar programs in my area for ideas. A few teachers and schools in particular caught my attention. David was viewed by outsiders as one of the best. Watching his students present their research in various forums, I wished I could be a fly on the wall for a day to see how he does it. So the minute I heard that David was going to consult to help programs, I knew that this was my chance! David has been AMAZING to work with. Each year I look forward to the next round of consultations for our program. Working with David has helped us grow with our Powerpoint and poster board presentations, but most importantly our writing! We were below average in science writing and have excelled to a level of mastery. We have had many Science Talent Search semi-finalists since David and more importantly, our writing culture has changed as a program! Every Senior can now walk away as a graduate knowing they have completed an incredible, authentic piece of research writing that they can be proud of! Thank you, David Keith!!!"
Steve B., Westchester NY
"When my administration asked me to lead the new science research program, I was intimidated: I had no experience teaching science research, and I hadn’t even ever done any research myself, not even shadowing or an internship. In just three years, David brought my school’s science research program from nonexistent to flourishing. Besides having years of experience and student success, David also knows how to effectively teach that to a rookie without imposing his way. He alone taught me everything I need to know about how to direct and teach a rigorous science research program that is not just a competition-obsessed pressure-cooker. He loves his craft, he loves helping students, and he loves helping teachers."
Ilya Y., Manhattan NY
"Of all the professional development and learning opportunities I’ve had in my teaching career and before, our time together was some of the most meaningful and valuable I’ve ever spent. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion. I think this is just the start of some great stuff and I look forward to having you as a mentor on my journey to be the best I can for my amazing students in science research. Cheers!"
Jamie D., Westchester NY
Testimonials
