Only a few hundred schools across the United States have research programs. Although some of the schools with programs are magnet schools or highly advantaged schools, many ordinary schools have successful programs. Every school is capable of at least a modest program for those students who want to work on independent research projects.

This practical book provides a school district with a comprehensive guide on how to establish an independent research program. Use this book as your step-by-step guide to creating an independent research program and preparing your students to enter the national independent research competitions. Although the curriculum described in this book is based on the objectives of various national competitions, the students are not in a competitive classroom environment. Instead, the competition rules are used to create a working atmosphere that resembles the professional world.

Krieger takes you from selling the idea of the program to educators, students, and the community through critical curriculum and methodology for the teacher, to finally entering national research competitions and continuing your program.