Upper School Spring Symposiums Celebrate Student Research

By Jim Klar, Communications Officer & Fish Tung, Assistant Communications Officer

Last week, our Upper School students welcomed their peers, parents and guardians, and faculty to a celebration of learning! The 12th Annual Science Research Symposium and 2nd Annual Social Sciences Symposium featured compelling research in over 15 Upper School classes.  

On Monday, May 20, the 12th Annual Science Research Symposium took place, where students presented the results of their year-long research projects. The event featured conference-style presentations and posters, highlighting studies from a range of scientific disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Nanotechnology. 

Among the notable projects, students explored questions such as how DNA length affects nanowire fabrication, the impact of lactic acid on oral bacteria, and how temperature influences the tensile strength of spider webs. These topics captivated an audience of classmates, parents, guardians, and faculty. 

Dr. Hsu, Director of Scientific Research, commented, "Our students have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and perseverance in their projects. Their findings not only contribute to their own learning but also to the broader scientific community." 

Examples of student research included investigating how variations in DNA length can influence the creation of nanowires, potentially impacting future nanotechnology applications. Another study aimed to find ways to reduce dental cavities by targeting the lactic acid production of oral bacteria.  

Additionally, students explored how varying levels of biodiversity affect the resilience of Daphnia populations under different temperature conditions. There was also an examination of how environmental temperatures alter the tensile strength of spider webs, with potential implications for material science. 

The research spanned ten different science classes, including Introduction to Science Research, Honors Research in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Nanotechnology, as well as an Independent Research Internship. 

Following the Science Symposium, the 2nd Annual Social Sciences Symposium took place on Wednesday, May 22. This event also highlighted a diverse array of student research and projects, featuring contributions from courses such as International Relations, AP Seminar & Research, Social Entrepreneurship, and AP US Government & Honors American Law. 

Students engaged the community with presentations on topics like gender bias in textbooks, the effectiveness of Taiwan's tourism advertisements, the impact of music on bicultural teenagers, and the phenomenon of performative activism on social media. Projects included developing an accessible athlete network platform and creating an educational game about migrant labor issues in Taiwan. 

Mrs. Sinclair, Head of the Social Sciences Department, remarked, "The breadth and depth of our students' research are truly impressive. Their work not only reflects their academic capabilities but also their commitment to addressing real-world issues." 

These symposiums provided a platform for students to share their findings and engage in meaningful discussions, reflecting the school's emphasis on fostering a critical thinking and self-directed learning environment. The community's support played a crucial role in the success of both events, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives the Upper School's academic endeavors. 

As these students continue their educational journeys, the knowledge and skills they have gained from these research projects will undoubtedly serve them well in their future pursuits. We're proud of our students for their hard work in researching and presenting their findings!