Please click on the tornado below to go to approved websites for this research project.
Science/Language Arts Research Project
Earth on the Move
Duration of project: six weeks
Step 1. Pre-Assessment Based on Interest (during science class)
Ø student writes first, second and third choices for a research topic about earth science on a pre-assessment chart
Ø student writes prior knowledge about each topic
Ø teacher organizes groups based upon interest
Step 2. KWL Chart – Group Activity (during science class)
Ø discuss parts of KWL chart
§ K-What you KNOW
§ W-What you WANT to know
§ L-What you LEARNED
Ø students decide on group roles before activities begin
§ leader
§ coach
§ collector
§ timer
§ recorder – all group members
Ø each student writes any prior knowledge about the topic in section K
Ø each student talks about his/her information written in section K
Ø each student writes at least four questions in section W about what he/she wants to research
Ø each student talks about his/her questions
Ø as a group decision - each student highlights two questions in his/her chart that he/she will do research on
Ø each student in the group will have different questions
Ø all questions must be approved by the teacher
Step 3. Collecting Information in the Science Library and E-Library
(during science class)
Ø requirement for bibliography
v use four sources
§ one book or periodical (magazine)
§
one website (approved by teacher)
Please click on the tornado below to go to approved
websites for this research project.
§ one encyclopedia (book or electronic)
§ one other source of choice
v information must be accurate
Ø writing information on index cards
v four Works Cited Cards (green index cards)
§ use correct format
§ write accurate information on cards
v twenty five or more Fact Cards (yellow index cards)
§ use correct format
§ write information in own words (no plagiarism)
Ø correct usage of Works Cited Cards and Fact Cards
Ø correct usage of rough draft of outline
v use correct format
v use accurate facts and focus on topic
v use accurate spelling and grammar
v do revisions and editing during teacher/peer conferences
v type heading and title at top of paper
v use double-space
v use 14 point Arial
v make three copies of typed outline (one for each of the following: Language Arts, Science, and Journal)
Ø bibliography – rough draft and final copy
v use four sources
v arrange alphabetically
v use correct format (information and punctuation)
v type final copy using double space and 14 point Arial
Ø note cards for oral presentation
v notes written about topic on 20 or more index cards
v use notes when practicing for oral presentation
Step 5. Displaying Information or Visuals (Science Class)
Ø illustration called Creative Design includes:
v title of research project-Earth on the Move
v name of research topic
v illustration focused on topic
Ø guided self-reflection
v student writes well developed entries
§ explaining interest in research topic
§ explaining importance of research questions
§ learning about interesting facts
§ explaining best part of research project
§ making connections between research and daily life
§ feeling proud about accomplishments during research project
v include accurate information about research
Ø KWL chart
v each student tells group members about new facts he/she learned about through research project
v each student writes new facts about topic in section L of chart
Ø science experiment
v group members will decide what type of experiment to do that is based upon their research
§ 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
v develop the experiment
§ students write up the first three steps of the scientific method
o Ask a Question
o Research Your Topic
o Form a Hypothesis
§ group decides what supplies are brought to school by each member
§ perform the experiment
§ students write up the last three steps of the scientific method
o Test the Hypothesis
o Analyze the Results
o Draw Conclusions
Ø each student creates one of the following visuals listed below for
research project
v graphic organizer
§ concept map
§ tables/maps/or graphs
§ Venn Diagram with illustrations/captions
v poster
§ 2 illustrations with captions (at least 2 captions)
§ original poem, song, or rap (at least four 4 -line stanzas)
§ comic strip (at least 10 frames)
§ teaching poster with written information
§ Power Point presentation (at least 6 slides)
v current events
§ newscast with illustration
§ newspaper article with illustration
v documentary video
v other options-(teacher approved)
Ø teacher’s expectations for visual
v all visuals must include labels, descriptions, and/or well-defined terms
v all visuals must have correct usage of grammar and spelling
v all information must be accurate from an approved source
v visual may be glued onto group’s display board or taped onto the blackboard for the oral presentation
Ø group members write up study guide
v includes important facts from research
v uses correct format with questions about topic in left column and
answers in the right column
Step 6. Oral Presentations (Science Class)
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 8. Evaluations
Ø Creative Design Rubric
Ø Group and Individual Participation Rubrics
Ø Scientific Method Rubric
Ø Science Assessment Rubric includes evaluation for
v Works Cited Cards
v Fact Cards
v Research Outline
v Visual
v Oral Presentation Cards
v KWL chart
v Group Study Guide
v Guided Self-Reflection
v Journal Notes and Multiple-Choice Questions
Ø Individual Oral Presentation Rubric
Ø Science Research Project Test
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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Mrs. Moses.