Science Research Course Outline
The Research course is designed to engage students in the process of science exploration. Students will work in small cooperative teams, in a laboratory setting, to design experimental projects. Participants start with background investigations and then using the steps of the scientific method they design experiments to test hypotheses. Topics vary from bacteriology to vitamin testing. Students will be required to do weekly readings and independent research. Each student will keep a journal, conduct regular research update presentations and will submit a full laboratory report as a final project. The science research class is intended for students with an interest in science and some proficiency in the subject area.
Objectives:
-Students will be able to distinguish science research articles
from other news-related writings
-Students will be able to organize relevant information into a
scientific writing from background investigations
-Students will use the steps of the scientific method to design
and execute experiments based on hypotheses
-Students will be able to quantify, analyze and graph data
-Students will generate conclusions based on the results of experimentation
-Students will be able to write a scientific laboratory report
and present science conclusions orally
Topics will vary based on the interests of the group and the
availability of materials.
All groups will start with hand-washing/bacteriology projects
(see attached lab sheet) to learn the steps of the scientific
method, quantitative/qualitative studies, independent/dependent
variables, positive/negative controls and data collecting techniques.
One potential research project will involve nutrient testing of
foods.
Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science and Technology:
Standard 1 Analysis, Inquiry and Design
Standard 2 Information Systems
Standard 5 Technology - Engineering Design
Standard 6 Interconnectedness - System Thinking, Patterns of Change
Standard 7 Interdisciplinary - Problem Solving
Standard 1 Language for Information and Understanding
Standard 3 Language for Critical Analysis and Evaluation
Assessments:
Students will be required to have good attendance, work in cooperative
teams and submit a final laboratory report. Each section of the
lab report will require first, second and final drafts to be submitted
on a regular basis. Students will give oral presentations on their
final project.
Requirements:
Each class day, you should be prepared with writing necessities
- paper, pens and pencils. Each student is required to keep a
detailed journal, which should include, but is not limited to,
information about the readings, background information, class
and laboratory notes. In addition to journal writing each student
will keep an individual folder which will stay in room 202. Do
not remove the contents of your laboratory folder from the room
with out notifying the instructor. Depending on the availability
of materials, students may be working in cooperative groups. Each
research group member will maintain an active role in all aspects
of the research process. At the end or the course each project
will culminate in a full laboratory
report and presentations. There is NO eating or drinking during
laboratory classes.
Agenda:
Week 1: Introduction to the process of science/review the scientific
method. Hand washing lab/bacteriology. Bacteria experiment descriptions
due
Week 2: Finish bacteria labs. Review variables and control
tests.
Using the internet/library. Bacteria lab report due
Week 3: Research topics. Introduction to nutrient analysis. Science article 1 due
Week 4: Explore variables and set up pretests. Design experimental control. Lab report "Introduction" due
Week 5: Design experiments. Lab report "Materials and Methods" due
Week 6: Test variables/data collection. Science article 2 due
Week 7: Data analysis/graphing/conclusions. Lab report "Results" due
Week 8: Final Laboratory Reports due
Presentations will take place on the last class
The 99 Research class web site at I.S. 318