SOAR SCIENCE OWNERSHIP OF ACCELERATED RESEARCH SCIENCE DEPARTMENT SPRING TH AND 8 TH GRADE ADVANCED CLASSES

OPTION #1: PROBLEM BASED LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT PARTSDESCRIPTIONDUE DATES 1: Project ProposalDefine the problemJanuary 21, : Fact Finding and HypothesisGather facts about the problem and previous solutions Hypothesize how to solve the problem February 18, : Background ResearchConduct research on the problem and solution; research paper March 25, : Alternative SolutionsRephrase the problem and generate alternative solutions April 8, : Final ProductPresent problem and advocate solutions through final product May 5, 2015 (7 th grade) May 12, 2015 (8 th grade)

PROBLEM BASED LEARNING PROJECT Learning is driven by challenging, open-ended problems with no one “right” answer Problems/cases are context specific (RELATED TO SCIENCE) Students work as self-directed, active investigators and problem-solvers A key problem is identified and a solution is decided upon and can be implemented ROLE OF STUDENT: Stakeholder, architect, collaborator, debriefer, higher order thinker PRODUCT EXAMPLES: Debate, speech, publication(ex: journal article/research paper), video (ex: digital story) OUTCOME: Authentic student experiences, authentic assessments, student problem solving, real life communicating IDEAS:

OPTION #2: PROJECT BASED LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT PARTSDESCRIPTIONDUE DATES 1: Project ProposalTopic selectedJanuary 21, : Production PlanProduction plan is createdFebruary 18, : Background ResearchGather facts about the topic; research paper March 25, : Project Detail ExplanationDetermine audience, determine final product, material listApril 8, : Final ProductProject completed and evaluatedMay 5, 2015 (7 th grade) May 12, 2015 (8 th grade)

WHAT DOES PROJECT BASED LEARNING LOOK LIKE? ROLE OF STUDENT: Produces real-life product, manager, expert OUTCOME: Creates student interest, builds passion for learning, student creates real-life product, accommodates learning styles PRODUCT EXAMPLES: Product is designed by the student. Please see your teacher to suggest ideas for a product. RESOURCES: ject-Based_Learning.aspx

OPTION #3: SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT PARTSDESCRIPTIONDUE DATES 1: Project ProposalTopic Selected and Community need identified January 21, : Project Implementation PlanPlan is created and timeline established February 18, : Background ResearchGather facts about the topic; research paper March 25, : Project Detail ExplanationProblem identifiedApril 8, : Final ProductProject completed and evaluatedMay 5, 2015 (7 th grade) May 12, 2015 (8 th grade)

WHAT DOES A SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT LOOK LIKE? Student service learning combines classroom instruction with community service to address community needs. The actual service learning project does not have to be implemented before the project due date. Students take what they learn in the classroom and apply that knowledge to real-world problems in their communities. Service learning enhances the learning experience by: teaching critical thinking skills to solve complex problems in the context of real-world situations encouraging civic responsibility and community action promoting cooperation and teamwork building character Examples: (National Youth Leadership Council) and

OPTION #4: SCIENCE INQUIRY PROJECT PARTSDESCRIPTIONDUE DATES 1: Project ProposalTestable question and HypothesisJanuary 21, : Experimental DetailsIdentified Independent and Dependent Variables, Materials, and Procedure February 18, : Background ResearchGather facts about the general topic; research paper March 25, : Data, Data Analysis, and Abstract Data table(s), graph(s) Analyze data and observations, written abstract April 8, : Final ProjectComplete notebook and display board, all parts May 5, 2015 (7 th grade) May 12, 2015 (8 th grade)

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS: Complete all required parts of the project for the option chosen. All students will have a display board TO BE USED ON PROJECT PRESENTATION NIGHT. Laptops will be available on the project display night for students to display products via flash drive file. ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A USB FLASH DRIVE FOR STORAGE OF PROJECT COMPONENTS AND TO BE USED ON PROJECT WORK DAYS AT SCHOOL.