Middle/High School Students
Preparing for a Career in Physics
Take all the pre-algebra, algebra, advanced algebra, and pre-calculus courses your school has to offer. A good, strong background in math will help you tremendously in a physics career.
Read books by well-recognized physicists such as:
- The Elegant Universe, by Brian Greene
- A Brief History of Time, by Stephen Hawking
- Flying Circus of Physics, by Jearl Walker
Reading these books and others about the lives of these physicists will spark your interest in the fascinating world of physics
Get involved in science fairs and other extra- curricular science activities at your school and in your geographical area. It helps to expose yourself to as much science as possible. At the same time, you'll be involved in great projects that will get you thinking about which aspects of physics really excite you.
Find a mentor (teacher or professor) at your school that you can talk to about the physics field and answer any other questions or concerns you may have. If none exist at your school, check the physics departments at local colleges, or universities.
HAVE FUN! Physics can be a lot of fun.
2009 Summer Programs for High School Students
George Washington University
Science & Engineering Apprenticeship program (summer)
Applications Due: Feb. 27, 2009
This program places academically talented H.S. students (at least 16 yrs old, sophomores/ juniors) with interest in science & math in Dept. of Defense laboratories for an 8-wk period over the summer. This is an invaluable experience in the world of scientific research, with hands-on exposure to scientific & engineering practices not available in the H.S. environment. It is a paid apprenticeship ($2,000) and the students are assigned a scientist or engineer as their mentor. To apply online or get more information about the program: http://www.usaeop.com. Students must submit their transcript (minimum GPA 3.0) and teacher recommendation to the program director for consideration and daily transportation is the student's responsibility. Program runs from June 22 - August 14, 2009.
NASA National Space Club Scholars Program
Applications Due: Postmarked by February 17, 2009
This is a 6 week summer internship at NASAâ ™s Goddard Space Flight Center. It is open to students who will be 16 years old and have completed the 10th grade by June 2009, have demonstrated high academic success, and have an interest in space science or engineering as a career. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applications are available in the Career Center or online at www.education.gsfc.nasa.gov/pages/placement.html Apply now!
University of Maryland, College Park: Women in Engineering
Applications Due: Visit www.ysp.umd.edu/pr
E2@UMD, July 12-18 or July 19-25; rising juniors and seniors. Go towww.wie.umd.edu/precollege or call 301-405-3283 University of Maryland Young Scholars Program targets rising juniors and seniors who have a strong academic record and a desire to excel to experience college life while earning three academic credits. 14 courses are offered for three weeks from July 12 - 31, 2009.
