Recommendation and Resources for H.S.

Conduct an independent project

It should involve the full engineering process - starting from a problem or an idea, to developing concepts and process which lead to either a prototype of even a final product. This product can be a software, hardware, or any innovative idea. All should be supported with quantitative work which underscores:

• comprehensive understanding from problem-solving to the development of innovative solutions
• your are a risk taker.
• maturity and resilience to bounce back from challenges and failure.

Advice for Choosing an Independent Project Problem

A good independent project is not about having a “brilliant idea” on day one. It’s about becoming the kind of thinker who notices problems, tests solutions, and keeps refining—because you care about the outcome.

There is no magic formula for finding “the right” problem to solve. Strong independent projects usually begin with genuine curiosity—something you care about enough to keep exploring when it gets difficult.

To find a meaningful problem:

• Start with your interests. Follow what pulls your attention—technology, health, education, music, sustainability, sports, etc. Interest creates persistence.
• Be more “worldly.” Pay attention beyond the classroom: observe how people work, where time is wasted, what feels confusing, what is inefficient, and what could be improved.
• Collect annoyances and questions. Keep a running list of small frustrations and “why is it like this?” moments. Many great projects start as minor inconveniences.
• Look for patterns, not just ideas. When you notice the same issue repeatedly (for you or others), that’s a strong signal it’s worth solving.
• Choose problems that scale. Start with a small version you can build quickly, then improve it step-by-step. Momentum beats perfection.

Possibilities...

• The Future Problems Solving - visit its Real World Issues page.

Start your own portfolio.

Engineering portfolio is a journey, NOT just a fancy well-written document. Do start writing your portfolio early - as it reflects who you are and your passion. The portfolio can substantiate the technical depth, and longevity of your engineering interests, leadership, activities that make an impact. This will be a great addition to your internship applications. Thus, do not wait until 12th grade to jam information onto your own web portfolio at once.

Share your knowledge...

Do you like to tinker on any special independent work?

Deliver oral presentation and present your work to public.

• Elsevier.

  Elsevier is a leader in information and analytics for customers across the global research and health ecosystems This is subject to peer-review. Only approved copy will be published.

• Journal of Student Research.

  JSR is an Academic, Multidisciplinary, and Faculty-reviewed Journal devoted to the Rapid Dissemination of Current Research Published by High School Edition, Undergraduate and Graduate students.

• The Columbia Junior Science Journal.

  This is an online platform for high schoolers to publish manuscripts in the fields of natural sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and social sciences. This is subject to peer-review. If your paper leans towards more in science research, this will be a good one to submit. early. Usual submission deadline is in October for each academic year. Only approved copy will be published.

• Cornell Archived Journal.

  "arXiv" (pronounced as "archive") is owned and operated by Cornell University. This is an open-access journal platform. The site that allows all publications with 3 referrals. It has been recommended to me that you should submit your paper to this site before other "peer-review" or "faculty-review" journals; as your paper will be more likely to receive feedback.

US Presidential Scholars Program

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. This is the nation’s highest honors for high school students. However, you will need to be nominated first. You should consult your school counsellor regarding this opportunity.

Center for Excellence in Education

The Center sponsors multiple cost-free programs such as the Research Science Institute (RSI), the USA Biolympiad (USABO), and STEM Lyceums. RSI alumni represent six continents. CEE program alumni travel as guests of foreign nations and educational organizations to promote global understanding and cooperation. This program is exceptional selective with about only 5% acceptance rate. It's deadline of application being in late December is always earlier than most others.

NJ Governor School of Engineering and Technology

NJ GSET is a selective residential summer intensive program. Again, you first must be nominated by your school counselor in order to apply.

Governor's STEM Scholars

GSS provides high-achieving New Jersey STEM students in grades 10 through doctoral level. Students will gain opportunity to work with NJ top researchers and STEM professionals.

InspiritAI

AI Program for High School Students - developed and taught by Stanford and MIT alumni and graduate students, researchers. You should apply sometime in the Fall. Projects may be applicable to your interests in many discriplines, not limited to just STEM. Often, quality work will be advised to submit paper for peer-review or facualty-review publication.

Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program

Summer Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in intensive research in the field of cancer science. Several students from SR have successfully gained entrance to this selective program, allowing them to continue their science and research projects throughout the school year. This dedication has led to significant achievements, including the publication of their work and advancement to prestigious competitions such as the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

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Arduino Platform:

Common sites where you will purchase parts:

•   www.pololu.com
•   www.adafruit.com
•    www.robotshop.com
•   www.mouser.com
•   www.sparkfun.com
•   www.mouser.com
•   www.digikey.com

Pre-built kit:

NOTE:  I am not recommending to purchase these kits. I have included these as your referernce only in case you wish to purchase pre-built kit.

I found a couple of solderless ones which still allow you to easily add on various electronic devices to gain electronic learning experience with robotics platform:

Arduino based robot kit:

• Pololu Zumo with Arduino kit. (require no soldering)
• DFRobotshop Rover Tracked Robot-basic kit (require very little soldering)
• Arduino Robot Kit.  This was released in 2013. (require no soldering) 

Suggested Basic Items to get:

For absolute Novice to electronic

Ultimately, you can also purchase an Arduino Starter-kit. It cost more, but at least you will get very basic parts. Just be prepared that you may acually end up to have to purchase more parts later for most of the projects conducted at the later phase of our ARduino meetings.

For others

If your main goal is to just learning electronic, for the full learning potential to extend to Arduino platform, you should get yourself some starter materials. 

Some basical tools include mini screw drivers, wire strippers, etc.  We have collected a general list for you here.  You should use your discrection as exactly what brand, and where you wish to purchase. We are NOT representing any brand name of hardware tools.

As far as what we use for our general Robotics with Electronics Roboclub meeting, here is the list.

Programming Software for Arduino

Note: All links provided here were captured in late 2020. We do not guarrantee the link will still be valid when you read this. Therefore, just like what SR has always taught its students - Be Resourceful. You should look it up.

Which Software to get:

• Native Arduino Programming IDE_ Free programming software called the Sketch from Arduino.cc.  This software is not user-friendly like the Robot-C IDE, especially no debugging features  either.  Therefore, before you use this, you really should have a good level of programming and  debugging skill first. 
• More choices have become available into the late 2015. Here is the link where you may reference to.
• Want a debugge _ Find Sketch or Microsoft Visual Express Studio C/C++ - 2013 and beyond. (look up the link online, as they tend to change their url often.) and download the add-on for Arduino IDE for Visual Studio.  This is a far more  user-friendly environment than the Sketch alone.  Besides, there is a debugger available for this as well, but it is not free - Access the online  Atmel Studio 6 with Arduino projects Tutorial.

"Best" book recommended by our Chief Technology Advisor

note: dated back 2014...

The Beginning Arduino book by McRoberts.  You may be able to find a PDF version of the book online. The only "downside" of this book is that sometimes the experiments go on and on. That is ok you can just skip them. The other issue with this book is that it doesn't list all the parts you need. Sometimes you get to a chapter and realize you don't have something (like a servo or a particular resistor).  While this is not meant to completely subsitite formal learning in electronic, it certainly brings a novice to feel much more comfortable level in working with Arduino with a smaller price tag.

Important: While you are working with the experiments, best is to keep asking "What-ifs" and experiment instead of doing exactly what the book prescribes. You will learn a lot more through problems / issues through experimentation, instead of just following exercises prescribed with step-by-step instructions.

However, the only warning is that you must ensure you do not "short" your circuit. Electronic is very unforgiving.

There are many online learning sites, but most are quite costly. Here shows a couple which are somewhat free.

 All About Circuits You will find learning materials regarding electronics, including textbooks, video lectures, suggested engineering tools, and even worksheets to test your knowledge.

 Arduino learning site

 Arduino Prototyping. May need subscription.

 Algorithms in C/C++ learning packets (using a textbook), and Robotics learning with PICO. (require students login)