SCIENCE MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME

ABOUT SCIENCE MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME

SMP Philosophy SMP Mission SMP Structure School-Based Science Mentorship Programme ASP, BP, DSP, I²R-MP, IHPC-MP, NUS-CMP, NUS-SMP, NUS-EMP, NTU-MP, NEST, RP-HPP, RP-SEP and SC-MP Science Mentorship Programme Workplan for Schools 17th YSC Proceedings (by Programme) Research Reports For 18th Youth Science Conference Procedure for Claims and Payments Forms for Claims 2013 SMP Application
PHILOSOPHY We believe that strong interest in any area provides unequalled internal motivation and acts as a powerful driving force along the way of self-directed and independent learning. Along that inspired road, an encounter with a mentor can be the beginning of a rewarding lifelong learning experience. We strive, through the Special Programmes, to stoke that special passion in the individual learner and open doors for those with the aptitude, interest and commitment. MISSION The Science Mentorship Programmes are structured to develop interest and talent in scientific research amongst our pupils. It provides opportunities for pupils with interest and aptitude in science to deepen their knowledge in a particular area, to learn about the latest research developments and to be challenged by the intellectually stimulating process of scientific research. STRUCTURE The science mentorship programmes comprise the following separate programmes: School-Based Science Mentorship Programme (Teachers as Mentors) ASP, BP, DSP, I²R-MP, IHPC-MP, NUS-CMP, NUS-SMP, NUS-EMP, NTU-MP, NEST, RP-HPP, RP-SEP and SC-MP (Scientists as Mentors)
SCHOOL-BASED SCIENCE MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME Aim The programme aims to cultivate in Secondary 2 & 3 pupils the spirit of inquiry as well as to develop attitudes and values for the proper conduct of science. This will help to prepare and equip them better for a mentorship experience with a professional scientist when they are ready. Objectives To promote scientific study through investigative science fair projects To encourage the use of creative and innovative methods in problem solving To heighten pupils’ awareness and generate interest in scientific research and technological development To nurture values and positive attitudes towards scientific inquiry and competitions Target Group Secondary 2 and 3 SBGE, IP and selected non-GEP pupils
ASP, BP, DSP, I²R-MP, IHPC-MP, NUS-CMP, NUS-SMP, NUS-EMP, NTU-MP, NEST, RP-HPP, RP-SEP and SC-MP Aim These programmes are structured with the aim of developing pupils' interest and talent in scientific research. It provides opportunities for pupils with interest and aptitude in science to deepen their knowledge in a particular area, to learn about the latest research developments and to be challenged by the intellectually stimulating process of scientific research. Objectives To provide enrichment that includes current scientific advances to enable pupils to be at the cutting edge in science To enhance pupils’ understanding of major concepts and theories in science To develop skills for conducting investigations and inquiry in science To stimulate and nurture pupils' interest in science To provide opportunities for pupils to interact with teachers and scientists for a better understanding of the activities, beliefs and traits good scientists should have To motivate pupils to take up scientific research to benefit mankind Organisation The following external science mentorship programmes are jointly organised by the Gifted Education Branch with the following institutions: Applied Science Programme (ASP) - Singapore Polytechnic (SP) Biotechnology Programme (BP) - Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) Defence Science Programme (DSP) - Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) I²R Mentorship Programme (I²R-MP) - Institute for Infocomm Research (I²R) IHPC Mentorship Programme(IHPC-MP) - Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) Nanyang Polytechnic Explorations in Science and Technology (NEST) - Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) NTU-Mentorship Programme (NTU-MP) - National Institute of Education (NIE/NTU) NUS-Computer Mentorship Programme (NUS-CMP) - National University of Singapore School of Computing (NUS) NUS-Engineering Mentoring Programme (NUS-EMP) - Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS) NUS-Science Mentorship Programme (NUS-SMP) - Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore (NUS) - National Parks Board (NPB) RP-Human Performance Programme (RP-HPP) - School of Sports, Health and Leisure, Republic Polytechnic (RP) RP-Science Exploration Programme (RP-SEP) - School of Applied Science, Republic Polytechnic (RP) Science Centre Mentorship Programme (SC-MP) - Science Centre Singapore Selection Criteria of Pupils All pupils who are interested in science from our selected top secondary schools who are interested in science are eligible to apply. Pupils will be admitted to the SMP based on the following criteria: Aptitude in Math and Science Interest in science Ability to grasp abstract scientific concepts Motivation and initiative Time management skills Commitment and discipline Intellectual curiosity Ability to work with others in a team Social skills needed to relate to adults Recommendation by a Science Teacher Recommendation by Head of Department Structure of Programmes The programmes comprise 2 parts: Mentorship Attachment/Project Work Youth Science Conference Project Work Pupils initiate and design scientific investigations under the guidance of science teachers as their mentors. Mentorship Attachment Mentors from the participating institutions are invited to offer projects for the programmes. Pupils who are keen to participate in the programmes select the projects that interest them. Pupils will be exposed to the scientific process of problem solving, exploration and discovery to develop intellectual skills and curiosity that will stimulate them to evaluate and challenge information rather than be passive learners. Pupils work on their projects 3 hours weekly from January to July and will spend 2 weeks full-time during the June holidays at the tertiary institutions. Pupils will write a scientific paper for publication in the Proceedings of the Youth Science Conference. Youth Science Conference The Youth Science Conference showcases through posters and oral presentations all the projects in the programmes to an audience of peers, teachers and scientists. These projects are also judged by panels of professional scientists and awarded with prizes. Science Mentorship Programme Workplan for Schools SMP Workplan 2012 for Schools 17th YSC Proceedings (by Programme) • Applied Science Programme • Biotechnology Programme • Defence Science Programmme • Institute of Infocomm Research Mentorship Programme • Nanyang Polytechnic Explorations in Science and Technology • Nanyang Technological University Mentorship Programme • National University of Singapore Computer Mentorship Programme • National University of Singapore Engineering Mentorship Programme • National University of Singapore Science Mentorship Programme • Republic Polytechnic Human Performance Programme • Republic Polytechnic Science Exploration Programme • Science Centre Mentorship Programme • Independent mentors Research Reports For 18th Youth Science Conference The final version of the research paper (in MS Word) for the 18th Youth Science Conference is due to mentors by 20 Jul 2012. SMP participants should refer to the Guidelines On Research Papers. Research papers submitted after the deadline will not be published in the Proceedings of the 18th Youth Science Conference. Procedure for Claims and Payments All payments by the Singapore Government will be made by electronic fund transfer only. Please download and complete the Direct Credit Authorisation Form if you do not have an existing arrangement for electronic fund transfer. For details, click here. Forms for Claims • Direct Credit Authorisation (DCA) Form • SMP Claim Form A (for reimbursement to Mentors/Suppliers/Vendors) • SMP Claim Form B (for reimbursement to Teachers/School) 2013 SMP Application Information for Teams Teams will be allocated an account to log in to register so that they may a) view the list of research areas and number of mentors available in Aug; and submit their proposal via a link to the GoogleForm in Sep (optional); b) view project proposals from mentors and submit their choice of project via a link to another GoogleForm in Nov. Information for mentors Mentors may log in using an account provided by their institution co-ordinators. Information on SMP and instructions for a) choosing from team project proposals in Oct b) sending project proposal for teams to choose in Nov will be provided.