Turn Curiosity into Impact: Let’s Get Your Students Prepared for Real World R&D

It’s time to bring Applied Research into your classroom — where curiosity meets creativity and innovation actually happens. With hands-on projects and interactive lessons, and real-world examples, Applied Research 101 (High School Edition) helps students discover how research isn’t just for scientists in lab coats — it’s for anyone who loves to ask “What if…?” and then figures out how to make it real.

LEARN MORE ENROLL NOW

  • Understand the core principles behind solving real-world problems and tackle challenges that actually matter.
  • Learn how to approach challenges creatively, think beyond the textbook, and experiment their way to innovative solutions.
  • Work collaboratively like a team of innovators to develop meaningful solutions that have real impact.
  • Gain exposure to opportunities in applied research and innovation.
  • Discover how research connects to cool careers and new ideas.

Imagine...

...giving your students a strong start in understanding how applied research creates real-world and immediate impact.

...your students having the opportunity to practice innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and creativity.

...your students leaving class confident, curious, and ready to take on any challenge that comes their way.

If that sounds like your dream classroom — then Applied Research 101 is your secret weapon.


Welcome to Applied Research 101 (High School Edition)

A crash course that turns your students from “What’s applied research?” into “Wait - I can actually do this!”

They’ll learn the core principles of applied research - how to find their expertise, understand problems and how to design a project that creates results- all in just a few weeks. And you’ll get pre-designed virtual modules and assignments that allow you to spend more time with your students generating new ideas, and less time lecturing.

Transform Your Career

If you are an Ontario educator, looking for content to integrate into an independent study course or into your Technology and the Skilled Trades course, Applied Research 101 (High School Student Edition) could work for you. The virtual program is a turn-key solution that includes lessons, external resources, and assignments all in one place.

Designed by the IDEAWORKS team at Mohawk College, one of Ontario’s top ranked applied research colleges for student researchers, Applied Research 101 is the only training program of its kind designed to quickly give High School students practical knowledge in applied research. 

Applied Research 101 gives you a ready-to-use toolkit — complete lessons, resources, and assignments — to bring innovation straight into your classroom.

By the end, your students will: 

Understand the foundation of applied research.

Think creatively, ask better questions, and solve complex problems.

Feel career-ready and excited about their future paths in innovation and research.

Is Applied Research 101 (High School Edition) right for YOU?

  • Help your students understand and apply research in meaningful ways.
  • Encourage creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking.
  • Bring real-world skills into your classroom without extra prep.
  • Offer a ready-to-teach course that runs for about three weeks.

Give your students the chance to think bigger, build smarter, and start innovating today.

Let us help your students gain an understanding of Applied Research!

GET INSTANT ACCESS

Applied Research 101 (High School Student Edition) is available free for an unlimited number of high school students.

$0

Enroll For Free

Everything you need. All in one place. When you enroll your class in Applied Research 101 (High School Edition), your students get:

  • 3 weeks of structured content with 5 interactive modules and 21 bite-sized lessons.
  • Engaging activities that break down what applied research really means and how it’s used.
  • 5 creative assignments that challenge students to build skills, test ideas, think critically, and collaborate.

Meet Your Instructor

Andrea Johnson

Hi, I’m Andrea Johnson, the creator the Applied Research 101 series. 

I’ve been working in the Canadian post-secondary sector since 2007 in a wide range of roles- including student recruitment, admissions, student life, and communications. Ten years ago, I joined the IDEAWORKS team at Mohawk College, which is recognized as one of the top research colleges in Canada. 

I was motivated to create the Applied Research 101 series so that students from across Canada could have access to clear, straightforward information about applied research. 

I’ve hosted high school teachers like yourself for tours of our research labs and found that they, like you, wanted to expose their students to the world of applied research. That’s why I was motivated to create something that could introduce high school students to the exciting world of innovation and applied research. 

Connect with Andrea on Linkedin

Contributor

Grace Phillips

Hi, I’m Grace Phillips, a contributor to Applied Research 101 (High School Edition)! 

As part of the IDEAWORKS team at Mohawk College, I bring my background in youth programming and community engagement to make applied research more accessible and exciting for students and educators. 

I’m passionate about creating inclusive, hands-on learning experiences that empower students to see themselves as innovators and problem-solvers in their communities. I hope that Applied Research 101 (High School Student Edition) helps student to feel empowered to take on opportunities that exist in applied research! 

Connect with Grace on Linkedin

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are looking for a learning experience that will allow your students to learn what applied research is and combines critical thinking, real-world applications and embedded learning activities, this is the course for you! 

The program is created to be 3 weeks of content with 2 modules per week. However, you have the flexibility to incorporate it into your own curriculum at your own pace and it can be condensed or extended. 

Yes! You can register for this course on your own even if it isn’t being used in your classroom. We want as many high school students to have the opportunity to learn from this course! 

You’ll have access to this course for 12 months. Return to the material anytime to refresh your knowledge or stay updated on the latest trends in applied research.

We’re happy to help. Contact Andrea Johnson with your questions.

Give your students the chance to think bigger, build smarter, and start innovating today.

Enroll your class in Applied Research 101 (High School Edition) and watch curiosity turn into capability.

Across Canada, applied research projects at Canadian colleges are up 25% — and that means opportunities are everywhere for students who can think, test, and build solutions that work.

Now’s the moment to help them:

  • Equip students with real applied research skills — no extra prep work required from you
  • Boost critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration — the exact skills colleges and employers are looking for
  • Tap into Canada's growing applied research opportunities — with projects up 25%, students gain skills for tomorrow's careers
  • Complete in just 3 weeks — structured modules, engaging activities, and assignments all done for you
  • Free unlimited access for all your students — proven by 525+ learners from 15+ institutions across Canada
  • Build student confidence to tackle real-world challenges — transform "What if?" thinkers into problem-solvers who innovate

Get Started Today

Trusted by 525+ learners from 15+ academic institutions