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STUDENT PROJECTS

When I teach any science course on a secondary level, I want my students to be involved in term-long projects. I want them to comprehend what it is like to work in a "real" science laboratory as much as possible. We will use an inquiry approach utilizing what is considered by research to be "best practice." Students will plan their research and be actively involved and responsible for all aspects of their work. In addition, they will take an active role in assessment as it relates to grades and effectiveness in completing the task. In essence, this is an "authentic" task of their choosing. The projects will be managed on computers using word processing files. From the word processing files, HTML (hypertext markup language) pages will be produced to be used in the presentations at the WorldLAB Symposium at the end of the term.

These pages will also be made available on the web as a means for students to make known the results of their studies.


(TEMPLATE)
Setting for Project - Students are working under the following assumptions (SCENARIO):
WorldLAB is a large "think tank" organization where you and your team study science topics for large foundations. The expectations are that your team will not only explore areas not yet traveled, but search for new directions and pathways in those fields generally regarded as being already well established. Your employment is dependent upon being able to show that you have made significant contributions in your areas of study AND in your ability to communicate those contributions to the scientific community.



Inquiry Model Used - National Center for the Improvement of Science Education (NCISE)
Invite

Observe the natural world
Observe the human-made world
Ask questions about the natural world
Recognize a human problem
State possible hypothesis
Identify possible solutions
Explore, Discover, Create

Engage in focused play
Brainstorm possible alternatives
Look for information
Experiment with materials
Observe specific phenomena
Design a model
Collect and organize data
Employ problem-solving strategies
Select appropriate resources
Discuss solutions with others
Design and conduct experiments
Evaluate choices
Engage in debate
Identify risks and consequences
Define parameters of an investigation
Analyze data
Propose Explanations and Solutions

Communicate information and ideas
Construct and explain a model
Construct a new explanation
Constructively review a solution
Evaluation by peers
Express multiple answers/answers
Determine appropriate closure
integrate a solution with existing knowledge and experiences
Take action

Apply knowledge and skills
Make decisions
Share information and ideas
Transfer knowledge and skills
Ask new questions
Develop products and promote ideas
GROUP MEMBERS:
TOPIC: (What do I want to study?)

HYPOTHESIS(ES) or Question: (How do I want to study this topic?)
Examples:
a. I predict that ice melts faster in a black box than a white box.
b. Does ice melt faster in a black box than a white box?

PROCEDURES: Include your three (3) learning activities here.

You and your team will be expected to explore and report on at least three(3) learning activities in your quest for information, or data. You will follow the guidelines below in organizing your term-long study.
FINDING(S): What did you find out? DATA
CONCLUSION(S): My hypothesis was proven correct, or incorrect.
OR, YES, ice does melt faster in a black box than in a white box.
QUESTIONS RAISED FOR FURTHER STUDY: (Any good research raises more questions than it answers!)



Timeline
Date for Plan of Action Report - (what are you going to do? Who is going to do what? When are you going to do it?)
Date for first Progress Check - (How are we doing?)
Date for second Progress Check - (How are we doing?)
Date for third Progress Check - (How are we doing?)
Date for Harrison WorldLAB Symposium -


Harrison WorldLAB Symposium
Presentation Expectations

Time Limit - not less that three and one-half minutes nor more than five minutes.
* Presentation will be in the form of an html presentation and will have both text and graphics. Pictures can be scanned and computers in room 416 will be used to produce the presentation files.
* Have at least one visual from each of your 3 required activities

Content - Give a concise presentation including the following:

Topic:
Group Members:
Question or Hypothesis guiding the project:
Overview of the three required learning activities:
Findings (list):
Conclusion: Was hypothesis proven correct, or incorrect - OR how was question answered:
Questions raised for further study:
Students will turn in a portfolio (folder) with the following at the end of the presentation. 1. Plan of action for the project 2. evidence of work from three required learning activities 3. time record for each member of the group 4. completed assessment form for the group as a whole
Please remember this is a professional presentation...visitors have been invited. Please dress appropriately!



ASSESSMENT:

The following scoring rubric will be used. Both project leader (teacher) and the team (students) will complete one instrument and an average will be determined. Each will count 50 % of the grade.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
a. Ability to follow directions and complete assignment (staying on task) 1 - 20 points b. Ability to produce a plan of action 1 - 10 points c. Ability to establish and utilize appropriate resources 1 - 10 points d. Ability to follow appropriate lab safety procedures 1 - 10 points e. Ability to record data in an appropriate manner (finished report) 1 - 10 points f. Ability to present an organized, informative overview of your project to an audience 1 - 10 points g. Ability to isolate questions and topics for further research 1 - 10 points h. Ability to work as a group to pursue a common goal 1 - 20 points
RESULTS OF ASSESSMENT

92-100: Expert (A) You will receive a NOBEL prize nomination for your outstanding work. A breakthrough that will have you considered for TIME magazine person of the year!! In addition, you will receive a bonus and an increase in professional rank.

83-91: Solid (B) You will receive a nice bonus with your salary for the remainder of the year and you will be considered for leadership positions as they open in the organization.

74-82: Competent (C) You will maintain your level of professional rank and present salary. If you show more initiative in the future you may still be considered for advancement in the organization.

70-73: Novice (D) OK, you made it through your first assignment! Congratulations are in order. It is now time to begin to consider what will be necessary for future advancements in your profession. Also, you will need to reevaluate your credentials..."Do I need more science background for this?"

This project will count as one (1) test for the term.

Return to Dr. Brown's Physical Science Page

Bill Brown, Ed.D