Science Programmes: Science Mentorship Programmes
The Science Mentorship Programmes (SMP) comprise the following separate programmes:
- School-Based Science Mentorship Programme (Teachers as Mentors)
- Applied Science Programme
- Biotechnology Programme
- Defence Science Programmme
- Institute of Infocomm Research Mentorship Programme
- Institute of High Performance Computing Mentorship Programme
- Nanyang Polytechnic Explorations in Science and Technology
- Nanyang Technological University Mentorship Programme
- National University of Singapore Computer Mentorship Programme
- National University of Singapore Engineering Mentorship Programme
- National University of Singapore Science Mentorship Programme
- Republic Polytechnic Human Performance Programme
- Republic Polytechnic Science Exploration Programme
School-Based Science Mentorship Programme
Aim
This programme aims to cultivate in Secondary 2 and 3 pupils the spirit of inquiry as well as attitudes and values for the proper conduct of science. This will help to prepare and equip them better for a mentorship experience with a professional scientist when they are ready.
Objective
This programme is intended:
- to promote scientific study through investigative science fair projects
- to encourage the use of creative and innovative methods in problem solving
- to nurture values and positive attitudes towards scientific inquiry and competitions
Project Work
Pupils initiate and design scientific investigations under the guidance of science teachers as their mentors.
Target Group
Secondary 2 and 3 GEP, SBGE, IP and selected non-GEP pupils.
All other Science Mentorship Programmes except School-Based Science Mentorship Programme
Aim
These programmes are structured with the aim of developing pupils’ interest and talent in scientific research. They provide opportunities for pupils with interest and aptitude in science to deepen their knowledge in a particular area, to learn about the latest research developments and to be challenged by the intellectually stimulating process of scientific research.
Objectives
- to provide enrichment that includes current scientific advances
- to develop skills for conducting investigations and inquiry in science
- to stimulate and nurture pupils' interest in science
- to provide opportunities for pupils to interact with teachers and scientists for a better understanding of the activities, beliefs and traits good scientists should have
- to motivate pupils to take up scientific research to benefit mankind
Target Group
Secondary 3 and 4 GEP, SBGE, IP pupils and selected non-GEP pupils.
Organisation
The following science mentorship programmes are jointly organised by the Gifted Education Branch with the following institutions:
| Science Mentorship Programme | Jointly Organised by |
|---|---|
| Applied Science Programme | Singapore Polytechnic |
| Biotechnology Programme | Ngee Ann Polytechnic |
| Defence Science Programmme | Defence Science and Technology Agency |
| Defence Science Organisation National Laboratories | |
| Institute of Infocomm Research Mentorship Programme | Institute of Infocomm Research |
| Institute of High Performance Computing Mentorship Programme | Institute of High Performance Computing |
| Nanyang Polytechnic Explorations in Science and Technology | Nanyang Polytechnic |
| Nanyang Technological University Mentorship Programme | National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University |
| National University of Singapore Computer Mentorship Programme | School of Computing, National University of Singapore |
| National University of Singapore Engineering Mentorship Programme | Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore |
| National University of Singapore Science Mentorship Programme | Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore |
| National Parks Board | |
| Republic Polytechnic Human Performance Programme | School of Sports, Health and Leisure, Republic Polytechnic |
| Republic Polytechnic Science Exploration Programme | School of Applied Science, Republic Polytechnic |
Structure of Both Programmes
The programmes comprise 2 parts:
- Mentorship Attachment/Project Work
- Youth Science Conference
Mentorship Attachment
Mentors from the participating institutions are invited to offer projects for the programmes. Pupils who are keen to participate in the programmes select the project that interests them. Alternatively, pupils may propose their own projects and source for their own mentors.
In the course of mentorship, pupils are exposed to the scientific process of problem solving, exploration and discovery to develop intellectual skills and curiosity that stimulate them to evaluate and challenge information rather than be passive learners.
Pupils meet their mentors 3 hours weekly from December 2008 to May 2009 and work on their project and spend 2 weeks full-time during the June holidays at the tertiary institutions. Pupils then write a scientific paper for publication in the Proceedings of the Youth Science Conference.
Youth Science Conference
The Youth Science Conference is the culminating event of the SMP. This event showcases through posters and oral presentations all the projects in the programmes to an audience of peers, teachers and scientists.
Note: All projects in the Science Mentorship Programme can be done in place of an IRS project.Science Mentorship Programme 2009 Forms for Pupils and Teachers
- SMP Research Plan (80kb .doc)
- SMP Progress Reviews (40kb .doc)