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. Evaluation (6 - 9)

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

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

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

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

9. 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

10. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. START YOUR GROUP 4 Form a group of 4 that contains at least one biologist, one chemist, and one physicist.