LSMSA Future Scientist Program

The Future Scientist Program is designed for students at LSMSA who desire to become tomorrow’s scientists and engineers.  The program provides for a balance between academic and extracurricular science activities in a structured and carefully monitored environment.  Science faculty will guide the student and provide advice on appropriate curriculum paths, career opportunities, and recommend specific activities that will help the student grow in the selected area of interest.  Students must apply and be accepted into this program by the science faculty before Dead Day of their Sophomore or Junior Year.  Entry is not automatic and is based on a review of the student by science faculty.  The Future Scientist Program does not replace or interfere with the Distinction program.   Students succeeding in the Future Scientist Program will receive awards at the Senior Recognition ceremony and at a Banquet hosted in their honor prior to graduation.  In addition, completing this program will provide an impressive list of accomplishments that can be included in recommendation letters to colleges and universities.  Below are some of the highlights of the program.  Please pick up and fill out an application, if you think you might be a future scientist.  If you need more information, please talk to a science teacher.

• Applications will be submitted to Dept. Chair before end of 2nd grading period by the end of Tuesday before Dead Day (Wednesday).  A 3.0 overall GPA during the 1st semester is required for consideration.  The Department Chair and the science faculty will review each candidate for admission into the program in key areas listed on the application form.
  
  
• A committee consisting of 2 faculty members from chemistry, physics, or biology appointed by Dept. Chair, appropriate to student’s declared area of scientific interest will formulate a proposal with the student during a personal interview.
  
  
• Proposal of 1.5-2.5 Carnegie units (3-5 one-semester classes) in science courses above LSMSA graduation requirements.
  
  
• Proposal will include declaration of intent to perform 80 contact hours of community service and/or research or a science workshop during the summer before senior year.  Contract will be amended in Spring of a student’s first year stating where this work will be performed.  In the case of research, no research paper or public presentation will be required.
  
  
• Proposal will include student’s agreement to join 1 science club, 1 competition team, and to serve as an LSMSA Science Ambassador, assistant to faculty for outside science demonstrations, and tutor (if deemed appropriate by committee).

Members are required to have:

• A 3.25 GPA in LSMSA sciences, with no semester grade lower than C.
• A 3.0 GPA overall at LSMSA, with no semester grade lower than C.