Group 4 Project

Philosophy Scientific investigations of today involve teamwork which , like the Group 4 Project, is interdisciplinary. The underpinnings of teamwork are: communication and respect for each other

Nature of the Project Collaborative experience Interdisciplinary co-operation ‘Real Science’ activity Processes, not Products

Aims Develop and apply information and communication technology skills Raise awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications Gain an appreciation for the overarching nature of the scientific method

(6 - 9) Evaluation

Planning (2 – 3 hours) Sharing of Information & Ideas Brainstorm the Topic Brainstorm Research Question Brainstorm Specific Issues Develop a Hypothesis Sharing of information & ideas

Definition of Activities Develop subject-specific questions to answer and a subject specific hypothesis Define specific tasks

Action (6 - 9 hours) Separate subject investigations As individuals or groups Each science requires its own investigation

Evaluation (2 – 3 hours) Sharing findings (successes, failures and progress) Format: Science Fair, Posters Personal Skills

Types of Projects Design and carry out lab investigation or field work Collate, manipulate and analyse data from other sources Design and use a model or simulation

Example of Process to Identify a group 4 Project: Step 1: Identify major topics: e.g., body, pollution, water, recycling, air, energy, nutrition, waste, agriculture. Step 2: concentrate on a few topics: Pollution, Agriculture, nutrition. Step 3: Narrow topic down to one: e.g., Agriculture

Example of Process to Identify a group 4 Project (cont.): Step 4: Narrow it down to a focused question, e.g., How can agriculture help reduce pollution? Step 5: Students in each subject come up with issues in their own areas. and create a hypothesis Step 6: Students in each subject narrow these down to what they can collect in terms of data and investigations.

Broad Topic: Sick Building Syndrome Focused Question: How do the environmental conditions in a given building cause illness? Biology issues: Survey of symptoms, research into existing medical data: studies of respiratory illnesses, research on organisms --cause/effect Chemistry Issues: Call Health Department to find out tests for sick building e.g. in humidity studies, harmful gases,, etc. CO, CO2, particulates, water analysis, investigations of Brownian motion; Rn detection, condensation patterns Physics Issues: measurement of electromagnetic fields, air flow patterns, R factors, temperature of the buildings

Examples of Group 4 Projects Natural & Synthetic Fibers The 400 m Running Race A study of an Estuary The School Swimming Pool Exercise Paper Recycling The effect of Caffeine on the Human Body Petroleum and the Automobile The Classroom Environment Transport to School

Group 4 Projects (cont.) School Garbage Agriculture How healthy is our School? Pollution in City X Alternate Energy Sources for the School Beer / Wine Driving Ice Storm The Weather The Science of Toys / Thrill Ride

Evidence of participation Individual-statement written by the student about his/her own individual contributions- (Your Journal) Individual-ABSTRACT Group-poster produced by the group that includes the participation of the candidate whose work is being sent

START YOUR GROUP 4 Form a group of 4 that contains at least one biologist, one chemist, and one physicist. Decide on your broad topic Generate ideas for a focussed research question

Expectations for the Group October 31, 2008 November 21, 2008 December 17,2008 June 9, 2009 June 10, 2009 Groups chosen, broad topic decided, ideas for Focussed research question Approval Form Submitted Plan submitted to IB teacher Poster Due Poster Presentation Day