How to get research opportunities

Hi, I am a junior in high school and I would really like to get hands-on experience in science, specifically chemistry and biology. After looking around, I still don’t understand how I can actually get a research opportunity as there doesn’t seem to be actual programs (other than summer courses). Can someone please let me know the best way to get an opportunity to work under a university professor or something similar?

Also, is it necessary to have lots of knowledge about the research that I would be doing? I have taken AP Chemistry and am currently taking AP Biology but I don’t feel as if I have a high enough understanding of these “complex topics”?

Do you have a career counseling department in your HS? If so, they may have some options/contacts for you.

Do you live near a university? If so, take a look at the research that professors are doing…typically their bios are posted in the various department sections. Contact them by email if you see something you would like to be involved with. If you can get an introduction to them by networking thru parents in the community, church members, school teachers that is better.

Other places to check: your science teachers at school, neighbors who work in research jobs, local companies that might have research activities, hospital/other health care sites (e.g., dialysis/MRI center, outpatient surgery center).

Good luck.