USC PhLaSH Physics Labs for Students in High School

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why would a high-school student want to apply for this program?
  Students will be placed in an environment where they will be challenged to learn science not generally taught in high-school classes. By interacting with other successful high-school students in this environment, students will broaden their understanding of collaborative research. Given the opportunity to interact with USC undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty, students will begin to get a feel for what it is like to be a part of a research-university environment. Students will have fun doing science experiments... To name a few...

• Who should apply to the program?
  Students who will be juniors or seniors in the Fall should apply. We expect that students will have taken the available high-school science courses and at least two years of high-school math.

• What will this program cost?
  $100.

• What do I get for $100?
  Since the program is scheduled to run from 10 AM - 4 PM each day, lunch will be provided for each of the five program days. Additionally the equipment and supplies that are needed to do the labs will be provided. The only thing not provided is transportation to and from campus each day, but parking passes will be provided.

• How many will be selected to participate?
  We expect that ten to twelve students will be selected to participate.

• What is the selection process?
  Students will be selected based on demonstrated ability (high grades in science and math courses and high GPA), stated interest, and teacher recommendations.

• There is more than one science teacher at my school. Who should fill out part one of the application?
  It would be preferable to have only one Part One from each school. The teachers at each school should discuss among themselves to fill out a single form.

• Can more than one student attend from one school?
  Definitely.

• What happens after the program?
  At the end of the program, students will be given an opportunity to present a brief summary of their work. These summaries may be used on this web page or for future program advertising.

  It is also recommended that upon returning to school in the fall, the students be allowed time to discuss the experience with their peers. The USC Physics and Astronomy Department may be able to send volunteer undergraduate students to the high-school campus in the fall to assist with this presentation and discussion of science at universities.