"YSN" - Young Scientists on the Net - ("Chazav" in Hebrew) What is YSN? It is an innovative Web framework to support the research activities of high school students in Grades 10-12 that operates within the curriculum of science classes - Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Agriculture, Biotechnology and Ecology. It combines class work with student research "remotely" directed by scientists from Migal (an advanced R & D institute) and educationally guided by the Association for the Advancement of Science Education in Galilee, via the Internet. How does it work? The students carry out their research work in school laboratories or in the field, using the equipment and facilities that the schools already have, or are able to obtain. They work in "virtual research teams" that consist of the students themselves, plus school teachers and supervisors. Each team takes on part of a current field of research that was suggested by scientists from Migal, and divided into a number of topics that are suited to school conditions. Who is it for? The YSN Network is intended for science students in senior high school who are conducting research within the curriculum of the school, and for their teachers and supervisors. This includes workshops for individual projects in Grade 10; projects in biology, biotechnology and environmental studies; research towards 1-2 Matriculation points; individual projects in the Life Sciences and Agriculture; research labs in Chemistry. This is the third year of the program, with participation growing every year. This year we have about 17 schools with 350 students participating. Thanks to the "distance learning", the schools are from all regions of Israel. What fields are involved? The proposed research fields for YSN students put the emphasis on biotechnology, environmental quality and health in modern society. The areas suggested are those that are potentially rich in practical research questions, which students can think of and explore. Among the fields of study that were offered to the students are: Plant Biotechnology Plant Essences Multiple faces of the Mushroom Integrated Pest Management Useful Refuse Recycled Water Why Migal and why the Association for the Advancement of Science Education? Migal is one of the few research institutes whose day-to-day R&D encompasses all stages from initiation of ideas and design of research methods, through the actual experiments (from basic to applied ones), and on to the application of the idea in agriculture or industry. Approximately ten research groups working intensively in Migal at present have acquired extensive experience in supervising students in the frameworks of science camps for science oriented youth and Matriculation work. Our Association, as an educational body with long experience in professional advancement of teachers and the creation of frameworks fitted to student needs enjoys very successful co-operation with Migal, and through it has opened new and innovative opportunities to schools. These involve dealing with challenging up-to-date topics and the latest work methods, which until now were the sole province of the professional research laboratory. Why Internet? The YSN Network is a form of management by which the student, the teacher, the professional supervisor and the scientific advisor work together in co-operation, as a genuine "research partnership". The management of activity through the network provides professional answers - tailored to teacher or student - in real time, without limitations of time or place. The network enables the student to experience an academic environment and obtain a wider view of the field of research that he has chosen. The direct link makes the student take responsibility for keeping in touch with his/her scientific supervisors and defining what help is required from them.