1. SOAR Science ownership of accelerated research
Science Department
7th and 8th Grade Advanced Classes

2. Science Ownership of Accelerated Research
Why do we S.O.A.R?
GOAL: To research, investigate, and communicate about scientific phenomena that exists within our universe.
Objectives:
Students will research scientific background information for a selected topic.
Students will communicate researched information for a selected topic to an audience.
Students will integrate technology in the creation of a project product.
Science
Ownership of
Accelerated
Research

3. DUE DATES FOR ALL OPTIONS
PARTS
DESCRIPTION
DUE DATES 1:
Proposal
January 19, 2018 2:
Project details
February 2, 2018 3
Background Research Technology Integration Portion
March 29, 2018 4:
Final Project
(Presentation components: board, technology file, optional model/product)
April 27, 2018
PRESENTATION NIGHT
8th grade
Wednesday, May 9th, 2018
5:30-7 pm
7th grade
Tuesday, May 8th, 2018

4. Option 1: problem based approach
Student is solving a direct problem and forming a solution and alternative solutions.
Student presents problem and solution/alternative solutions.
Student creates a product for this option.
A model or design/blueprint is a great product for this approach if the problem is solved with an apparatus.
Example: In a world where humans are affected by genetic diseases, how can symptoms of a patient be used to identify possible genetic diseases?

5. Option 2: information/expository approach
Student explains and describes a topic.
Student focuses on the HOW and WHY of a natural phenomenon or scientific theory, idea, or event.
Student is not solving a problem.
Student creates a product for this option.
A model is a great product for this approach.
Example: Fundamentals of Black Holes or Microorganisms

6. Option 3: service learning approach
Student identifies a problematic need within the community.
Student relates identified need to a scientific concept.
Students present problem and forms a solution.
Students create product for this option.
A T-shirt design or flyer is a great product for this option.
The actual implementation of the service learning project does not have to be completed within the current school year.
Example: Establishing a campaign against littering in a local body of water

7. Option 4: scientific method approach
Student investigation is driven by a problem and/or a question.
Student seeks to solve the problem and/or answer the question through the collection of evidence (data).
Student produces Science Fair type project following the Scientific Method.
The product of the project includes data collection and a formal lab report.
Data must be quantitative and must be based on trials.

8. Commonalties in all options
All options require a tri-fold board for students to place information researched during the project
All options require a product of some kind: brochure, video, blueprint, model, online quiz, etc…
All options have a technology component for part 3. This can be done as a PowerPoint or a Prezi
Students are ENCOURAGED to attend SOAR night in May, it is your discretion if you would like to make it mandatory
SOAR is the FINAL grade for PAP students. Part 3 should be taken as a major grade. Parts 1 and 2 are up to the teacher in terms of daily or major grade.
Students may work with students from another teachers class, but they are required to submit items for both teachers (part 1, 2, and 3). Trifold board and product should be in a common area between both teachers.

9. HELPFUL VIDEOS RELATED TO PROJECT BASED LEARNING