What is SERP?
The Science and Engineering Research Project (SERP) or Inquiry Project is a cross-curricular project that is a primary focus of the Eastvale STEM Academy. We are dedicated to offering our students a hands-on practical experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics during their high school years. One of the ways we do this is to engage in the process of inquiry in an authentic way for three years.
With the project-based learning (PBL) framework, the eSTEM team has developed and refined the SERP since its inception in 2017. Beginning the 2022 school year, the SERP is supported through 9th and 10th grade classes.
Students learn the skills of inquiry and research within their classes in 9th grade and do a similar project in their science class and their STEM elective classes (Exploring Computer Science and Intro to Engineering). This includes how to research, design an experiment, determine variables, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions based on outcomes. Students also learn to present their findings in a professional manner.
As students build their skills and reach 10th grade, they are able to choose their research project and move through the phases of inquiry and project completion. While there will be check-ins during class time, the experimentation will occur outside of class time, either at home or during a pre-arranged time with a staff member. The 10th grade year will include forms collection to ensure projects are appropriate and safe, and a timeline that must be met in order for students to receive credit for SERP completion. eSTEM staff support each project group as mentors in addition to the projects being supported in the 10th grade classes.
Once they reach 11th grade, students have been taught the necessary skills to conduct on a project on their own! 11th grade teachers support the project through a timeline and checkpoints, but this is the year where students can show the research and experimentation/iteration skills they've gained their 9th and 10th grade years. All forms will still be collected that check the appropriateness and safety of the project. Students will however need to obtain mentors and complete research, data collection, and analysis on their own. Students will obtain credit for completion of the project upon their presentation of the SERP to a panel of adults in the spring.
Students who are confident with their project have the option of opting in and/or being recommended to the varsity/competition level where they can compete and ascend through the site, district, county, state, and international science and engineering fairs.
Visual Timeline of SERP
Click here to save the timeline above.
Detailed SERP Information
Our SERP for all grade levels is housed in Canvas. This page explains in detail the expectations of each grade level as well as the area where students will submit their documentation.
Click here to access the SERP Canvas page.
Interested in Competition Level?
If you are interested in the competition level to bring your science and engineering fair to the district and beyond, be sure to check out the Competition tab on the Canvas page.
In addition, you'll need to join the eSTEM/ERHS Science Fair 2023-24 Google Classroom for form submission (in addition to zFairs).
Classroom code:4adkkvd
Contact Us!
If you have further questions or are an ERHS student interested in competing in the science fair, contact us for more information and/or any questions you may have.
[email protected]