Science/Language Arts Research Project
Earth on the Move
Duration of project: eight weeks include:
§ researching topic in Science Library and E-Library
§ developing experiment for research question
§ developing Photo Story about topic
§ class presentation of Photo Story and Experiment
§ NOTE: some of project will include homework assignments
Step 1. Pre-Assessment Based on Interest for science topic (science activity)
Ø student writes first, second and third choice for topic on chart
Ø
teacher organizes each
group with three members doing research on the same topic
Step 2. Write KWL Chart in Science Inquiry Notebook (science activity)
Ø students choose group roles for team activities
§ leader
§ coach
§ collector and timer
§
recorder – all group members
Ø discuss parts of KWL chart
§ K-What you KNOW
§ W-What you WANT to know
§ L-What you LEARNED
Ø develop group questions for research using KWL Chart
§ each student writes prior knowledge about the topic in section K
§ group members share prior knowledge
§ each student writes four questions about the topic in section W
§ students share and discuss questions
§ each group member chooses 2 questions he/she is interested in researching (questions should not be too broad or too narrow)
§
after all group
questions are approved by the teacher, each student will write his/her 2
research
questions
in the Science Inquiry Notebook
§ each group member will have different research questions about topic
Step 3. Doing research in the Science Library and E-Library (science activity)
Ø 5 sources are required for bibliography
§ one book or periodical (magazine)
§ one encyclopedia - book
§ one encyclopedia - electronic
§ one website approved by teacher
§ student has choice for 5th source
Please click on the tornado below to go to
teacher approved
websites for this research project.
Note: If you find an excellent website that is not included in the above list and you'd like to use it as a source, it must be approved by teacher first. Thanks:)
Ø 5 Works Cited Cards are required for research project
§ each student will need five colored index cards
§ must use correct format and write accurate information
Ø 30 Fact Cards are required for research project
§ each student will need thirty white-lined index cards (15 Fact Cards for each question)
§ must use correct format and write information in own words ***no plagiarism
Ø write rough draft of outline
§ use correct format
§ use accurate facts and focus on topic
§ use accurate spelling and grammar
§ do revisions and editing during teacher and peer conferences
§ type heading and title at top of paper
§ use double-space and 14 point Arial
§ print out three copies of typed outline
§ include five sources
§ arrange alphabetically
§ use correct format for information and punctuation
§ type final copy using double-space and 14 point Arial
Ø complete KWL chart in Science Inquiry Notebook
§ each student tells group members about new facts learned while doing research
§ each student writes new facts in section L of chart
§ use correct format for information and punctuation
§ type final copy using double-space and 14 point Arial
Ø group members decide on science experiment
§ books will be provided for students to find ideas for an experiment
§ teacher will assist students in the process
§ experiment must be approved by teacher
Ø write the scientific method for experiment
§ State the Question
§ Collect Information
§ Form a Hypothesis
§ Test the Hypothesis: write supplies and steps for experiment
§ Record and Study Data
§ Draw Conclusions
Ø design display board for experiment
§ write title of experiment at top center of display board
§ drawings, graphs, or charts in center of display board
§ question, information, and hypotheses on left side of board
§ list of supplies and steps for experiment, data, and conclusion on right side of board
§ all information is accurate and work is creative, colorful, neatly displayed
§ display is creative, colorful, and attractive
§
outlines,
bibliographies, and written stories will be placed in front of
display board at Science Fair
Step 6. Writing a Story using Outlines as Guide (science and language arts activity)
Ø students will write rough draft and final copy of story that includes facts from research
§ two sets of partners in each group will write a story about their topic
§ the partners introduce themselves as the main characters in the story -
(examples: meteorologist, paleontologist, volcanologist, seismologist, tornado chaser, hurricane hunter, etc.)
§
include at least 30 important and accurate facts from their Fact Cards
(will have 60 Fact Cards to choose from)
§ include interesting events, discoveries, or theories from expert scientists, etc.
§ make connections between researched information and every day life
§ include a description of the experiment that they worked on for their science topic
§ as part of the summary in their narrative, they will include what really captivated their interest
about their topic
Step 7. Preparing for Photo Story (science activity)
Ø students will prepare for technological part of research project
§ partners will type the story on Microsoft Word and save it on a thumb drive or CD
§ partners will divide the story into parts on the Microsoft Word document in a dialogue format
§ each partner will be recording different parts of the story in Photo Story
§ each partner will find clipart and/or pictures that represent his/her sections of the story
and save them on a thumb drive or CD
Ø students will create Photo Story in the Computer Lab
§ teacher will give instructions on how to import clipart and/or pictures into Photo Story
§ students will move the clipart or pictures into the storyboard in the correct order
§ students will download their story from Microsoft Word into Photo Story
§ partners will take turns reading and recording their parts of the story as they follow
the order of the clipart and/or pictures
§ students will show their Photo Story during their class presentations and at the Science Fair
Step 8. Self-Reflection about Research Project (science activilty)
Ø student writes self-reflection in the Science Inquiry Notebook - ongoing activity
§ explains why he/she is interested in topic
§ writes his/her research questions in notebook and explains what
they were chosen
§ writes some interesting facts he/she is learning about
§ describes the best part of research project
§ writes about his/her topic and how it relates to daily life
§ writes about how he/she felt proud about accomplishments
Step 9. Oral Presentations (science activity)
Ø write note cards for oral presentation
v notes written about topic on 20 or more index cards
v use notes when practicing for oral presentation
Ø teacher will conference with each group before oral presentation about:
v written information and display board (scientific method and visuals)
v setup and procedure for experiment
v format for a group’s oral presentation
Ø groups present research information with visuals, experiment, and
display board
Ø study guides are given to the audience by each group after oral presentations
§ group members read the study guide and review their notes in journals
§ each group discusses the information and then writes two multiple-choice questions
§ each group member writes these two multiple-choice questions
in his/her journal (questions will be included in student generated test)
§ teacher will review researched information by presenting mini-lessons throughout project
Part 10. Evaluations
Ø Individual and Group Participation Rubrics
Ø Scientific Method Rubric
Ø Science Assessment Rubric includes evaluation for
v Works Cited Cards
v Fact Cards
v KWL chart
v Guided Self-Reflection
v Presentation Notes and Multiple-Choice Questions
Ø Individual and Group Oral Presentation Rubric
Ø Teacher evaluation of performance at Science Fair
Ø Research Science Test written by students
As an expert scientist you will explore the concepts about earth science. Work hard, enjoy the investigation and remember YOU are the expert so do your best!
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