Computational science (CLS) is an interdisciplinary method encompassing a science discipline application, math, and computer science.

It also involves the field of graphics visualization. A visual image on a computer screen is often more useful for noticing subtle differences and recognizing trends in data sets.

Likewise, a high school computational science project has many facets. It involves working in a team and with a mentor; researching a topic using electronic, paper, and human resources; defining a problem and a way of investigating that problem; using computers and visualization techniques as problem solving tools; and, writing and presenting a technical paper. In this class, you will have access to some of the most powerful computers in the world and will be able to communicate with students, mentors, scientists, and others throughout the world by means of the worldwide Internet. You will have access to worldwide information as you cruise the information superhighway. Doing a computational science project is also a rigorous undertaking. Staying on task and using time wisely throughout the school term will help to assure completing a project in a timely manner. Use the following project check sheet to help you plan and organize your project.

PLAN THE PROJECT

1. Identify the team members.

2. Choose a team leader and define member roles.

3. Establish team ground rules (norms).

4. Select a topic.

5. Refine the topic to a "do-able" computational science problem.

6. Write the problem definition.

DEVELOP THE PROJECT

1. Identify key words and concepts.

2. Collect background information.

3. Determine the equations necessary to the problem.

4. Collect data (when applicable).

5. Keep a list of all resources.

6. Determine the method of solution.

7. Determine the expected results.

8. Write working code.

9. Refine or improve code.

WRITE AND PRODUCE THE PROJECT

1. Design the cover page.

2. Write the background information.

3. Describe the method of solution.

4. Describe the results.

5. Interpret the results and write conclusions.

6. Write an abstract.

7. Organize the contents of an appendix.

8. Organize a table of contents.

9. Prepare the project display.

10. Prepare an oral presentation.