1. Group 4 Project

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. (6 - 9)
Evaluation

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

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

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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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