<p>Hey! I've decided to pursue my interest in science by participating in science fair my junior year. Although winning isn't a priority, I'd like to take on a project that interests me and provides me with a better understanding of Chemistry (the subject I'd like it to be on). The problem is, I have no clue how to come up with ideas as complex as those that make it to, say, ISEF (I've only completed Pre-AP Bio and Chem). I figured I would need the help of a professor.
So here are my questions:</p>
<p>Would any professor be willing to accept a high school student with a very limited knowledge of the subject?
How would I go about contacting a professor?
If I'm unlucky and they all say no, would I at least be able to shadow them as they conduct their research?
If I am able to find one, how often would we meet and would they be able to help me come up with an idea?
Would I help (or attempt to help) them with their research if I am only allowed to shadow?</p>
<p>Personally, I don’t think you need a mentor. But there are some professors who enjoy students interest in the sciences. To contact a professor, I would check at a local community college. Community college professors are just as good and easier to reach. There are organizations that accept students into research. But it’s your job to look for these opportunities. Usually shadowing is when you just observe the professor and they may ask you to do simple tasks for them. If you do find one, it’s your job to set up times, dates and where to meet.</p>
<p>It’s actually pretty late to be looking for a mentor at this point…try contacting your local university or any labs near you.</p>
<p>I don’t see how you’ll be able to do a Chemistry project worthy of Intel without the materials and knowledge that a lab/mentor can provide you with…</p>
<p>I’m sorry if my topic annoys you. I know there are a ton of topics like mine.
I’ve done a lot of research prior to posting this and although there are questions that, I’ll admit, are repeats, I really just wanted to know what the mentoring process was like. I didn’t want to walk into this blindly.</p>