You are to create a Science Project related to the topics covered in Integrated Natural Science 1 to be presented at a poster session at the end of the semester. Your project has to include the following:
1. Revised Colorado State Science Standards with Target Age Group / Grade Level (see below)
2. Presentation of sound scientific methodology through Hands-On Experiment or Class Demonstration (must include Data Collection and Graphing)
3. Detailed Handout / Materials
STEP 1: I order to facilitate the project, complete the Science Standard Template and use it as guide in conducting and presenting your project. Use the Revised Science Standards as your guide but make them specific to your project presentation for the areas “Project Title/ Topic”, "Evidence Outcomes", "21st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies" and "Nature of Science". The completed template should be part of your poster and your handout!
Download the Revised 12.11.2009 CDE Science Standards to be found at
http://www.cde.state.co.us
STEP 2: Assemble / conduct the project. Make sure you document the procedures an take pictures. Your photos are great when compiling your poster for presentation as well as the handouts. Collect data and construct appropriate graphs.
STEP 3: Assemble poster & presentation materials! Make sure your materials include: The completed template as shown above; Photos of preparation and project; Appropriate Date Tables; Appropriate Graphs; Any other displays or project samples; Conclusions; Classroom uses, adaptations, drawbacks, safety concerns. The quality of your display should be professional. You are encouraged to create compilations that can be used later on in your professional carrier.
STEP 4: You are also required to produce a handout for each interested member in your class. This handout should include a 1 page summary of the project and scientific principles plus any reproducible handout masters. You must include the completed template as shown above, a project summary, a materials list, any detailed experiment procedures & evaluations, and a reproducible lesson plan. For details see complete assignment handout with grading rubric!
STEP 5: Present your poster and handouts during an in-class poster session in a professional manner. This includes dress and behavior. Act and dress the way you would for a serious job interview! Be ready to answer any questions concerning you chosen topic with confidence.
NOTE: Do NOT talk or try to explain anything during the grading process. Your poster and handout should be SELF EVIDENT or you will lose points! You are allowed to answer questions when asked. General rule of thumb: The less questions are asked, the better your display.
DOWNLOAD COMPLETE ASSIGNMENT HANDOUT WITH GRADING RUBRIC!
FAQ:
How do I get a good grade on this assignment?: There are basically three rules - 1. Follow the Rubric; 2. Follow the Rubric; 3. Follow the Rubric.... I think you are getting my drift. It always amazes me to have students complain about their project grade only for me to find out that they NEVER really read the rubric. If it says to place a miniature version of your poster on the handout, it means to do exactly that, or you WILL lose points. If it says to put the Colorado State Standards Template with standards referring to your project on the poster AND the handout it means exactly that. It does NOT mean to put it either on the one or the other and then hope you will get points for both. It also doesn’t say to write the State Standards any way you like ... It says USE THE TEMPLATE! Bottom Line: If you follow the rubric explicitly, you will be just fine!!!
I worked longer and harder than other students in the class yet I got a lower grade. How come? This is just not fair!: Simply stated: YOU DID NOT FOLLOW THE RUBRIC! Students end up with a lower grade when they miss items requested in the rubric, no matter how hard they worked on the rest on the assignment. Unfortunately I am unable to grade on effort. I can only grade on outcome and the finished product. In real world analogy... If you are contracted to finish a job, like mowing a lawn or painting a house, you do not get paid more as a contractor if you took three to four times as long as the competition to complete the job. You get paid by the job, not by time. In the real world this is called “efficiency”!