This guide explains how to establish a research program within a school and how to get students involved in independent research projects and national research competitions. Chapter 1, "Selling the Program," examines benefits to the community, school, teachers, and students. Chapter 2, "Assessing Your Situation," discusses how independent research fits with current educational practices and how to survey community resources. Chapter 3, "Practical Considerations for the School," looks at program models, creating a budget, and finding facilities. Chapter 4, "Practical Considerations for the Teachers," discusses recruiting and selecting students, a case study in selecting students, teaching techniques, grading policy, identifying projects, and identifying and defining mentors. Chapter 5, "The Curriculum," focuses on defining independent research projects for students, using the scientific method, keeping a research notebook, using statistical methods, presenting papers, presentation aids, answering questions, ethical and moral considerations, and safety concerns. Chapter 6, "The Next Steps," discusses the steps needed to maintain the program and let it grow. Throughout the book, examples are provided of a research program at one New York high school. Three appendixes describe the competitions, sample project titles, and opportunities for students. (SM)