Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
What do I need to do to take a G/T Research class?
To apply to the Independent Research Course or the Intern/Mentor Program: 1. Download the application from this website. 2. Complete & submit the application by the due date on the application. 3. Schedule an interview with Mr. Eckert in G/T office in room 220.Back to Top
My child does not have an idea about what he would like to research.
I help students choose their research question. Many of the students have just a vague idea of what they are interested in when they enter the class. We start with that and then we go through a process that helps them focus their interest into a research question.Back to Top
Do the students actually do lab research or other types of research?
Students can do either lab type research or original research through journals, professional databases, etc. Some students even use the course as a compliment to the Science Fair.Back to Top
Do the IR & Intern classes look good to colleges?
I can tell you that when the students attach a research abstract along with my letter of recommendation, it helps differentiate them from the other kids who haven't made the effort to attempt this type of course. See a section from a sample email below from St. Mary's College: "I am the counselor who will be reviewing the applications of your student who applied to St. Mary�s from your high school. I received the letter you wrote which accompanied the abstract of XXXXXX�s project about sleep deprivation. My reason for contacting you is to say thank you for the information. It is really quite helpful. Many students do internships, projects etc, but not many of them ever make it clear to us the scope and the depth of their activities. I always tell them we don�t know what you have done unless you tell us."Back to Top
Students need to provide their own transportation for the Mentor class?
Yes. The student will spend 4-5 hours per week at a Mentor site and they must provide their own transportation to and from the site.Back to Top
When do students go to the Mentor site?
Most students take Intern-Mentor during 6th period and then go to their site at the beginning of the period. However, some students may take the mentor class during the another class time slot & go to their Mentor at their convenience. site at a time after school that they and Mentor agree to.Back to Top
Will my IR Student be matched with an adviser for their research?
Yes, the student & I will work together to procure an adviser to help them with their research, the development of their student product and the research paper. We will also visit a college library to see how college level research is done and we usually have a college professor speak to us about how to write an effective research paper.Back to Top
What G/T Research Programs are offered at Marriotts Ridge High School?
Intern/Mentor and Independent Research are the two programs offered in each high school in Howard County.Back to Top
What is the Independent Research Course
Independent Research is a college-level course in which students design an original research study or creative production in self-selected areas of interest. Students learn advanced-level research methodologies and college- level writing and oral presentations skills. Under the guidance of the G/T resource teacher, each student identifies a problem and formulates a research question. Student researchers address identified problems, answer research questions, and communicate the results of their creative achievements to appropriate audiences. Students collaborate and receive ongoing feedback from professionals in their selected areas of study.Back to Top
What is the Intern/Mentor Program?
The G/T Intern/Mentor Program is a college-level course in which students design an original research study or creative production. Students study off- campus with a professional mentor in a self-selected area of interest. Student research or creative production focuses on contribuing new knowledge to the field of study. The G/T resource teacher facilitates classroom and internship experiences, focusing on advanced-level reasearch methodologies and college-level writing and oral presentaions skills. At the mentor site, students apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in an authentic, professional environment.Back to Top
What is the major difference between the G/T classes & the Academies?
The academies are for everyone. The G/T Independent Research & Intern-Mentor classes are for advanced learners. Also, we do not ask a mutli-year commitment as do some of the academies.Back to Top
What if a mentor/advisor is not located for my child?
Every effort will be made to place each student in an internship working with his/her mentor as quickly as possible. Finding quality mentors in some fields can be exceedingly difficult, and, in some cases impossible given the severe shortage of mentors in those fields and extreme competition from other in-county, out-of-county, and college programs. In rare cases, students may be asked to select another class instead of the Intern-Mentor Program.Back to Top