Independent+Homework+Guidelines

Postans- Biology Independent Research 2008-2009

I. WHAT? This is your opportunity to design or complete a biology project that interests you. You have to complete about 5 hours worth of independent research assignments per quarter so you could do one big project or several small ones. It’s worth about 1% of your grade so it can boost your grade kind of like extra credit. Please follow guidelines if applicable.

If you do more than 5 hours of work per quarter then the “extra points” will carry over into the next quarter. At the end of the year if there are more than 5 hours then I will add some points to participation grade.

II. WHEN? Due the friday before the last week of the quarter but you can only hand in ONE project per week so plan ahead.

III. HOW? Choose a type of project that you enjoy. Make sure it is related to biology. If you’re not sure then check with teacher. Follow the appropriate guidelines for the maximum amount of grade points. Not all projects are time related so please note maximum points under types of assignments. If you think the points do not reflect your effort/ hours let me know right away or at least 3 weeks before the end of quarter. All projects need to have a product (i.e. poster/paper/movie/song) that shows biological understanding, clarity of Ideas, and effort.

IV. TYPES? 1. In-The-News (See Guidelines)-  Read an in-depth biology related magazine or newspaper article from science section. Follow guidelines which include answering questions about the article and copying and attaching article. (5 - 20 pts)

2. Short Research-  Choose at least 3 up-to-date articles on a particular topic in biologyand synthesize the information into a paper or poster. Hand in articles with summary. Make a bibliography of sources at end of paper. (30-40 points)

3. Community Service-  (See form) Complete some project for the community that is related to biology. For example clean up trash, work in the hospital, help a disabled person.(1 hour = 10 points). Document hours and have an adult advisor sign off with a number that I can call to follow up. I will ask them about helpfulness, effort, and 	hours. At least 10 points out of the 40 pts needs to be a paper/poster/project that synthesizes what it is you did. (10- 40 points)

4. Book Report (See Guidelines)-  Read a book that has to do with biology and write a report. Keep track of reading with notes to be handed in with paper. (50- 100 points)

Note: if choose a “thick” book and complete report by the end of the quarter I will 		carry over points into next quarter.

5. Build Model-  Build a model that can be used in the class (30-50 points)

6. Write Song -  Write a song that can be used in the class. Sing for class or play a 		tape. (30-50 points)

7. Make a Movie- Make an animation or movie that will help students better understand 	a topic in biology. Play for class as long as humor is appropriate. (30-50 points)

8. Interview-  Write and conduct an interview of someone in the biology field. Hand in 	typed interview. (20 points)

9. Survey-  Complete a biology survey. Paper or poster should include introduction, 	data in table(s), graphs, analysis and conclusion. (20-30 points)

10. Cartoon-  Draw a cartoon that helps explain a biology principle. (10-

11. Draw (See Guidelines)-  draw something that has to do with biology.

12. Further Investigations (See Guidelines)-  Complete a further investigation for one of 	our labs. Write up your results. (30-50)

13. Host Guest Lecturer-  Contact a lecturer that can come into our class and talk about 	their work/research. Make sure it has to do with a topic that we are covering 	within 1 week 	of the visit. Meet with the person beforehand and explain 	how their talk can fit into our curriculum. Find out what materials they need and 	set up before talk (i.e. computer, projector)- (20-30 points)

14. Optional Homework Assignments-  Periodically I will offer an extra homework 	assignment that can count as independent research. (10 - 30 points)

15. Field Trips-  We have a student generated tour of VINS that counts as 25 points or 	go on a teacher led filed trip. (25-50 points)

V. Grading? Grading on a project like this is often subjective and difficult so I have 	guidelines that will help you synthesize the information so that they are easier to 	grade. When in doubt check with me first before you hand it in for grading and I 	can give you some helpful points. You are responsible for checking and following 	maximum hours or guidelines. Grading will be based on guidelines and/or

Understanding of Biological Principles- correct knowledge, reflection, synthesis

Clarity of Ideas- Organization

Effort

Depth/Completeness (if applicable)

Creativity (If applicable)

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