Submitted by the Mitchell Academy of Science and Technology (MAST)

Michael Feinberg ’11 recently submitted his research paper entitled, “Experiential Learning- Science Competitions: Who Benefits?” to the Intel Talent Search. The Intel Talent Search is the oldest and most prestigious science competition available to high school student

Alongside with submitting a twenty-page scientific journal article that explicates his original research project, he was also required to write thirteen essays. Approximately 1,700 students from across the United States enter and 300 of them will make it to the semi-finals. There will be forty finalists who will be sent to Washington, D.C to compete for one of the top prizes, including $100,000. He is eagerly awaiting the results that come back in mid-January.

His research project consisted of two and a half years of original scientific research. Earlier this year, he wrote a survey, which was sent out to all participants in the Conrad Spirit of Innovations competitions. The survey asked a series of questions that asked students their preferred types of learning. The survey was constructed from the Howard Gardner theory of multiple intelligences, which states each student has a preferred learning type. The survey yielded that the majority of students highly valued the tactile learning process and had a common mathematical/logical typology of intelligence. However, other intelligences, or students with other learning types also participate.

Project based learning such as the Conrad Spirit of Innovations Awards has been a growing solution to the educational reform dilemma. Although more research needs to be conducted in this area, Feinberg hopes his research will enlighten people to the importance of learning in an experiential fashion.

His next goal will be to get his article published in an educational research journal.