<p>Hi I am a sophomore and I am interested in doing science fair research. I am planning to contact some professors over winter break so I can start working with one ASAP. The thing is I've been really busy, so I haven't been able to research my topic of interest very much. While I do know the basics, my background research has not gone so in depth that I could read the scholarly scientific papers. So for those of you who have done science fair research, how much time did you spend doing background research before contacting a mentor, and to what extent? Because I don't want to contact a professor and end up looking stupid because I didn't put in the necessary effort, and have them reject me, and possibly give me a bad reputation in case I decide to reattempt getting a mentor. Thank you so much!</p>
<p>bump 10char</p>
<p>I assume from the phrase “science fair” that you’re a sophomore in high school and not college, correct?</p>
<p>I sent my resume to the head of the physics department at the local university and asked if he would forward it to any faculty who might be interested in taking on a student. This was for the summer between graduating HS and starting college, though, and I had some prior research experience (through a program), so I’m not sure how effective this strategy will be in general; I’m guessing I was somewhat lucky.</p>
<p>If you are a sophomore in high school, no one will really expect you to already know that much about specific research topics; as long as you have a solid grasp on the relevant classes, you should be fine. A professor may or may not be able to come up with a project appropriate for your level (easier to do in some fields than others), but they’re not going to think you’re stupid for asking and not being an expert in the topic.</p>
<p>As far as reading papers goes, when I started doing research I understood maybe 10% of what I read. It’s hard; they’re written for experts in the field. Even now as a senior in college who’s been doing research for over four years getting through papers is tough. No one will expect a high school sophomore to read a paper and understand everything.</p>
<p>bump 10char</p>
<p>thanks anyways waitingforgodot :)</p>