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

Evaluation (6 - 9)

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

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, CO 2, 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.