Trailblazing Scientists at Work in Weston High School

Ocean acidification, removing carbon dioxide from car exhaust, bacterial breakdown of pesticides, degrading petroleum with mushrooms, exploring ways to make photosynthesis more efficient – these are just a few of the exciting topics currently under scrutiny in Weston High School’s new Honors Science Research Class.

Under the guidance of WHS science teacher Stacey Greenberg, eleven students are now conducting research on topics of their own design. Each of them was required to submit a detailed proposal last spring in order to be accepted into the class, the first of its kind in Weston. Through research, inquiry, class discussions, and consultation with Ms. Greenberg and other members of the Science and Technology departments, the students have honed and, in some cases, significantly altered their original objectives as they gather more information and data.

The excitement of the students in the class is palpable when they are asked to discuss their research. One student was motivated to apply because of the academic freedom built into the class: “The fact that I am able to construct and conduct the entire experiment myself is extremely attractive. I am enjoying the class because of this freedom, and the seemingly endless possibility of what I can accomplish.” Another student drew a connection between her passion for baking and research that she could do on the use of different emulsifiers. Yet another was excited by the prospect of contributing to scientific research: “I look forward to continue immersing myself and gaining expertise so that I'm able to produce something of value to the scientific community.”

The students’ excitement is matched by Ms. Greenberg’s. Now entering her 17th year of teaching in Weston, Ms. Greenberg marvels at the “positive energy” in her class: “In designing their own projects, doing the background research, and not knowing what the outcome will be beforehand, they get to own both their successes and their failures, which is invaluable. ... Students are bouncing ideas off each other, helping each other find new avenues of research... it honestly feels like being back in grad school. These students are getting great experience that will help them moving forward into college and beyond, whether or not they choose to pursue a career in the fields they're exploring now.”

The Honors Science Research Class is the culmination of the collaborative efforts of Weston High School teachers and District administrators. Substantial funding was provided by the Weston Education Foundation (WEF) with support funding from the Weston PTOs. WEF provided the initial funding for an expert in residence to assist the district in planning, strategizing and training, and provided funding to outfit the science research lab with new equipment in 2018 and 2019.