Research details
Research
Every year, students in the Science Focus Program (SFP) undertake guided independent research projects, advised by community partners and expert teachers. This experience fosters critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and communication skills as students explore scientific areas of their choice. Their research culminates in a professional-style scientific poster and verbal presentation at our annual “Research Day,” where they share their discoveries with peers, teachers, and families.
Advanced Research for 11th and 12th Graders
For 11th and 12th graders, the research journey extends to the Regional Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences (NJAS) Research Fair at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Here, projects are rigorously judged by professional researchers, providing students with expert feedback to refine their scientific communication, methodologies, and analysis. Many SFP students have achieved further recognition, advancing from regional to State and National meetings, showcasing their exceptional research on broader stages. Some students even collaborate directly with professional scientists as guides.
Senior Research Night: A Grand Culmination
The research journey concludes with our celebratory Senior Research Night on the SFP campus. Juniors and Seniors present their research posters to an audience of parents, families, friends, community members, school staff, and district officials. The quality and depth of SFP student projects consistently receive positive feedback from the broader scientific community.
Beyond the Classroom: Authentic Scientific Exploration
The Science Focus Program offers Lincoln Public School students a unique opportunity for authentic scientific research in a supportive environment. From formulating initial questions to presenting at regional, state, and national levels, our guided program goes beyond typical classroom learning, equipping students with invaluable critical thinking, communication, and research skills essential for future academic, scientific, or professional success.
Traditions at Science Focus Program: Research
Senior Research Night
SFP seniors embark on a year-long, self-selected research project which culminates in a poster presentation where students present their findings to staff, peers, parents and community members.
Research Fair
Underclassman at SFP conduct a year-long research project and share these projects with peers. This provides an opportunity for students to hone their skills in preparation for their final senior research project.
Traditions at Science Focus Program: Learning Beyond the Classroom
BioBlitz: Connecting Species through Citizen Science
BioBlitz is a nationally recognized program through National Geographic in which students and other community members work together to catalogue a region’s biodiversity. Each Fall, SFP students head out to a location outside Lincoln to take this snapshot. This experience is financially supported by the Lower Platte South NRD.
Creek Clean Up
Creek Clean Up is a city-wide initiative to help keep Lincoln’s waterways clean. SFP students have adopted Antelope Creek along the Billy Wolff Trail between 40th and 56th Streets in order to help with this effort.
Fascination of Plant Day
Fascination of Plant Day is hosted by UNL Plant Science and Biochemistry Departments. Students get to experience a variety of learning stations and end the day with a treat from the UNL Diary Store. This field trip is possible due to the generous funding by UNL Plant Science and Biochemistry Departments.
Nebraska Shakespeare Company Production
Each year, SFP students join the Arts and Humanities students at the Auld Pavillion to watch a live performance of a Shakespeare play that they have studied in English class.
Traditions at Science Focus Program: Building Community
Field Day
Each fall, SFP students participate in a variety of competitions. Advisories face each other in head-to-head competitions include chalk drawings, scientist relay race, team hula hoop passing, spoon/egg race, elephant bowling. Each advisory works to win the coveted trophy.
Soup Luncheon
The Monday of Thanksgiving week, students bring soup and sides to share for a potluck lunch.
Bowling Day
The Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, students head to Sun Valley Lanes to show off their bowling skills.
Zoo Clean Up
SFP students often help with a variety of jobs to assist the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. These have included: raking leaves, moving hay bales, picking up trash.
Fall Picnic
To start the school year, we welcome students and families with a all-school potluck.
Senior Celebration
Each May, we celebrate the seniors with a potluck and “graduation from SFP” ceremony.
Fall and Spring Dances
SFP Key Club hosts two annual dances. Get your dancing shoes on because these aren’t like any other school dances. Food, fun, singing and dancing will be sure to happen.
Elementary Science Fairs
SFP students often help LPS elementary schools by volunteering to judge their school’s science fair.
Clubs’ Community Outreach
SFP clubs conduct many activities to support their community. These have included:
- Penny wars (supports a student-chosen cause)
- Tampon/pad drive to support the People’s City Mission
- Blood drive to support the Community Blood Bank
- Food drive to support the Lincoln Food Bank.
