Building the Future

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YSDE Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the Youth Science Discovery Experience?

YSDE is open to high school students and science/math teachers.  Applicants may apply as a team or as individuals.  Be sure to indicate this on your application.  To apply, download the common application for student participants and teacher staff.

How much does it cost to attend?

YSDE is offered to its students free of cost. Participants are only responsible for arranging their transportation to and from Davis.  Teachers will act in part as program staff and will receive a stipend for their services.  The National Youth Science Foundation operates YSDE through a partnership with the Canaan Valley Institute with grant funding from NASA.

How is YSDE organized?

A full YSDE cohort includes five teams, each working on a different research project.  Each team consists of 5 or 6 students and one teacher.  A practicing scientist works with each group to introduce the research project and provide technical guidance throughout the program.  Teams may apply all together as a unit, or individuals may apply alone and be placed in teams.

Participants come together as a full cohort for three sessions throughout the semester—January, March, and April.  The January and March sessions are four days long, and the April session is six.  Two parallel but separate cohorts will participate in the 2012 program, but their residential sessions will happen over different weekends:

Where is YSDE held?

Academic programs are held at the Canaan Valley Institute.  Lodging is at the Blackwater State Park.  Lodging is hotel-style and is included in the program.

What kind of activities will be available at YSDE?

Other than the educational opportunities available through YDSE, there is a range of fun, educational and exciting activities available. The Canaan Valley Institute is located in a pristine natural environment with 12 miles of spectacular trails and connections to trails on neighboring lands.  Additionally there are typically several daily opportunities to engage in fun seminars, games and puzzles.

What kind of Research will I be doing at YSDE?

The research project is the focal point of the YSDE program model. Each team
works on a unique project throughout the program. The  scientist provides guidance and technical assistance, but the team ultimately makes its own decisions on project strategies and conducts its own research.

How can I find out more about the Youth Science Discovery  program?

Contact us with any questions you have about the YSDE.  Also, keep exploring this web site!  There’s lot of information available here.