The research project for the 2000/2001 WSSP investigated the causes for differences between humans and their closest cousins: the great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans). The 2000/2001 project used DNA sequence data to examine the genes that these species have in common, and to look for differences in DNA sequence that may be significant in determining the greater intellectual capacity of humans. In the course of these studies, students, teachers, and research scientists worked together, using the basic principles of molecular biology and genetic engineering to try to solve this research problem. By actually doing science, teachers and students gained an understanding of how science operates.
| School | City | State | Teacher(s) | # of students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayonne High School | Bayonne | NJ | Ms. Holly Levin | 5 | |
| Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School | Bridgewater | NJ | Ms Paula Herbes | 5 | |
| Colonial High School | Woodbridge | NJ | Ms. Chantal Greffer | 5 | |
| East Brunswick High School | East Brunswick | NJ | Ms. Anne Sanelli Ms. Lynne McLaughlin |
22 | |
| Edison High School | Edison | NJ | Mr. Leif Austenberg | ||
| Emerson High School | Emerson | NJ | Mr. Fred Hurtado | ||
| Freehold Boro High School | Freehold | NJ | Ms. Jennifer Seery | 2 | |
| Hackensack High School | Hackensack | NJ | Mr. Ron Durso | 3 | |
| Hillsborough High School | Hillsborough | NJ | Mr. Robert Richard | 6 | |
| Hunterdon Central Regional High School | Flemington | NJ | Dr. Susan Bonitz | 2 | |
| J.P Stevens High School | Edison | NJ | Mr. Paul Sekuler | 6 | |
| Monmouth Regional High School | Tinton Falls | NJ | Ms. Wendy Wolverton | 2 | |
| Montville Township High School | Montville | NJ | Mr. John Brick | 2 | |
| New Brunswick High School | New Brunswick | NJ | Mr. Miguel Rivas | 10 | |
| Rutgers Preparatory School | Somerset | NJ | Ms. Jacque Lamb | 6 | |
| Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | Scotch Plains | NJ | Ms. Lynda Rosenbaum | 4 | |
| Watchung Hills Regional High School | Warren | NJ | Dr. Jeff Charney | 2 | |
| Total number of schools | 17 | Total number of students |
82 |