Quick Answer for Busy Parents
Science Research & Design (SRD) is a three-year Upper School sequence at Berkeley Carroll in which students design and run their own experiments in the school’s labs. Students read peer-reviewed literature, replicate a published study, conduct independent research, and present findings at a senior symposium, preparing them for STEM degrees in college.
What Makes SRD Different
Many high school research programs send students to outside labs. Berkeley Carroll’s SRD emphasizes on-campus research, so students take full ownership of their projects. They read and analyze peer-reviewed literature, replicate published experiments, and present to authentic audiences.
The Three-Year Sequence
| Grade | Course | What Students Do |
| 10 | Introduction to Science Research and Design | Read papers across fields and learn to dissect scientific writing |
| 11 | Advanced Science Research and Design | Verify a published study, then design and conduct an independent project |
| 12 | Science Research and Design: Symposium | Finalize research and statistically analyze findings |
Is Your Child a Budding Scientist?
We help students find programs like SRD and present their interests in applications.
Recent Student Research
Class of 2025 projects explored topics such as constructed wetlands for cyanobacteria mitigation, natural fiber alternatives to superabsorbent polymers, the effects of microplastics on planarian reproduction, and non-neural decision-making in slime mold.
Recognition
- A 2023 graduate received the RTK Scholars Award for SRD work in environmental studies.
- A 2021 graduate was one of five U.S. students named a Rising Scientist by the Child Mind Institute.
- A 2018 graduate’s CRISPR gene-editing project was featured in The Wall Street Journal.
Is SRD Right for Your Child?
SRD suits curious, self-directed students who enjoy asking questions and testing answers. We help families judge fit and support students with academic coaching when needed.
Let’s Talk About Berkeley Carroll
Talk with an advisor about fit, testing, and timing.