Scientific Research

Course Description

Scientific research is a course in which the student conducts an in-depth research project and presents his or her findings using a variety of media at local, district, regional, state and/or national competitions and/or presentations. Two major components of the course are

• a technical report including sections for literature search, design, procedures, analysis of data, experimental results, conclusions, and future directions;
• an audio-visual presentation that is appropriate to the nature of the research and the type of audience.

The following major areas will be investigated:

• Ethical Practices
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Scientific Inquiry
• Analyzing and Evaluating Data
• Communicating Scientific Results

Standard Number: 1.0 Ethical Practices

Standard: The student will demonstrate ethical practices.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

• 1.1 critically examine data to determine its significance.
• 1.2 repeat trials to enhance the reliability of data.
• 1.3 recognize that in science one solution often leads to new questions.
• 1.4 employ ethical practices with research and investigations that involve human or animal subjects and/or hazardous/bio-hazardous materials.
• 1.5 follow safety procedures in the classroom, laboratory, and home environments.
• 1.6 respect and understand copyright and patent laws.

Performance Indicators Teacher:

At level 1, the student is able to

• use printed references and correct citations.
• honor all copyright laws.
• choose appropriate sources of information.
• report accurate observations.
• follow proper safety procedures.

At level 2, the student is able to

• date and document data, observations, and reflections in a journal.
• complete a research plan that adheres to appropriate regulatory guidelines.
• reference sources of information.

At level 3, the student is able to

• complete necessary documents regarding the involvement of human or animal subjects and/or hazardous/bio-hazardous materials.

Sample Task:

Submit a research plan to the teacher for approval. The research plan should include hypothesis, materials, procedure and bibliography of background research. In the procedure, the student should carefully outline safety procedures that must be followed as well as any ethical questions that must be considered.

Integration/Linkages:

all disciplines of math, science, social studies and language arts, science in society, K-8 curriculum, scale and model, graphing skills, problem solving skills, calculator and computer based skills, measurement skills, safety skills, laboratory skills, research and writing skills, scientific inquiry skills, ability to analyze and represent data, communication skills, careers, organization skills, and technology

Standard Number: 2.0 Critical Thinking Skills

Standard: The student will identify and clarify problems using critical thinking skills.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

• 2.1 use scientific instruments for extending the human senses in observation.
• 2.2 recognize limits to scientific investigations.
• 2.3 use technological tools and mathematical models to analyze problems or questions.
• 2.4 evaluate safety implications and risks associated with a question.
• 2.5 analyze and study classical problems.

Performance Indicators Teacher:

At level 1, the student is able to

• balance risks and benefits to solving a problem.
• employ a search engine on the web.
• work cooperatively with an equal or a mentor.
• show correct use of scientific instruments.

At level 2, the student is able to

• perform a literature search to define a problem.
• write narratives to describe observed scientific phenomena.
• develop and refine a problem statement.
• develop an awareness of the limitations to scientific investigations.
• analyze questions using technology and mathematics models.
• examine safety precautions during experimental design.
• reflect on classical problems by documenting in a journal.

At level 3, the student is able to

• work collaboratively with peers.
• employ advanced mathematical and computational models.

Sample Task:

Submit a clearly developed problem statement that has been refined as a result of a comprehensive literature search of the topic.

Integration/Linkages:

all disciplines of math, science, social studies and language arts, science in society, K-8 curriculum, scale and model, graphing skills, problem solving skills, calculator and computer based skills, measurement skills, safety skills, laboratory skills, research and writing skills, scientific inquiry skills, ability to analyze and represent data, communication skills, careers, organization skills, and technology

Standard Number: 3.0 Scientific Inquiry

Standard: The student will design and implement a strategy for solving a scientific problem or a strategy for answering a scientific question.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

• 3.1 practice appropriate safety procedures.
• 3.2 formulate a working hypothesis to guide research.
• 3.3 develop experimental procedures to test hypothesis.
• 3.4 collect data using a variety of scientific tools.
• 3.5 verify data for accuracy.

Performance Indicators Teacher:

At level 1, the student is able to

• demonstrate appropriate measurement techniques.
• differentiate between variables and controls in an experiment.
• describe basic laboratory procedures.
• exhibit proper safety techniques.

At level 2, the student is able to

• design and use appropriate procedures for laboratory and fieldwork.
• design experiments with the proper application of controls and variables.
• demonstrate appropriate use of scientific tools and instruments.
• record and document data and observations accurately.

At level 3, the student is able to

• apply established procedures to novel situations.
• modify or design an alternative experimental procedure.

Sample Performance Task

Design a controlled procedure to investigate a problem. The procedure should detail the method of solution the student will use in the investigation.

Integration/Linkages

all disciplines of math, science, social studies and language arts, science in society, K-8 curriculum, scale and model, graphing skills, problem solving skills, calculator and computer based skills, measurement

skills, safety skills, laboratory skills, research and writing skills, scientific inquiry skills, ability to analyze and represent data, communication skills, careers, organization skills, and technology

Standard Number: 4.0 Analyzing and Evaluating Data

Standard: The student will develop abilities to analyze and evaluate data.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

• 4.1 use statistical analysis to analyze and interpret data accurately.
• 4.2 evaluate data based in terms of accuracy and precision.
• 4.3 make conclusions based on data analysis and evaluations.

Performance Indicators:

At level 1, the student is able to

• use graphing calculators or computers to process data.
• collect data with hand-held technology.
• analyze alternate methods for representing data graphically.

At level 2, the student is able to

• use spreadsheets, graphing, and database programs.
• examine trends in data in order to answer questions.
• distinguish between accuracy and precision.
• develop alternative hypotheses.

At level 3, the student is able to

• develop a list of open-ended effects.

Sample Task:

Submit results of the student investigation, analysis of the data in forms of graphs and/or images, and conclusions reached on the basis of the analysis.

Integration/Linkages:

all disciplines of math, science, social studies and language arts, science in society, K-8 curriculum, scale and model, graphing skills, problem solving skills, calculator and computer based skills, measurement skills, safety skills, laboratory skills, research and writing skills, scientific inquiry skills, ability to analyze and represent data, communication skills, careers, organization skills, and technology

Standard Number: 5.0 Communicating Scientific Results

Standard: The student will publish, present, and communicate results of a scientific investigation.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

• 5.1 present scientific reports in a clear, accurate, and appropriate manner to a variety of audiences.
• 5.2 communicate findings in order to extend the research base.

Performance Indicators:

At level 1, the student is able to

• demonstrate basic keyboarding skills.
• apply proper grammatical conventions to written communication.
• write an expository essay.
• organize written communication with clarity and cohesiveness.
• compose and present a well-enunciated oral report.
• present information effectively using audiovisual aids.

At level 2, the student is able to

• design and implement an appropriate presentation format based upon the audience and nature of the research.
• prepare a technical report.

At level 3, the student is able to

• collaborate with other investigators in order to revise experimental design and/or design new experiments.

Sample Task:

Using a variety of media, present a technical report (literature search, procedure, analysis, experimental results, conclusions, and future direction) on a problem centered investigation. Provide evidence of collaboration (teamwork, work with a mentor, etc.) during the experimental process.

Integration/Linkages:

all disciplines of math, science, social studies and language arts, science in society, K-8 curriculum, scale and model, graphing skills, problem solving skills, calculator and computer based skills, measurement skills, safety skills, laboratory skills, research and writing skills, scientific inquiry skills, ability to analyze and represent data, communication skills, careers, organization skills, and technology