Mini+G4+Project

The Group Four Project is a collaborative effort between several scientific disciplines (Bio, Chem., Environmental Systems and Societies, etc.) in which all of you will participate prior to leaving the IB Program. It is an important aspect of your educational experience as well as integral in developing objective, logical, “scientific” methods of both action and thought. In this class we will be participating in a mini G4; i.e. similar purpose, methods, criteria, etc, but on a smaller scale. ** Purpose of the G4 ** The G4 is a multi-purpose project; the purposes intended for the class include: The overall goal of the mini G4 is to empower students to use their knowledge and abilities to approach a question of interest through logical reasoning and scientific methodology in order to answer that question. A second goal, which is just as important, is that students have some fun with the project. In other words, the topic of choice should be interesting to them. The G4 consists of three stages: planning, action, and reflection. Planning obviously involves choosing a topic and narrowing down individual subtopics for each particular group. Action involves taking the necessary steps to answer the research question each group has decided upon. Finally, reflection involves each group analyzing their own projects as well as the projects of others. The mini G4 will last several weeks (due in April, final date to come later) and will be conducted in a fashion similar to what one could expect in the “real world”. This means that there will be certain deadlines that must be met so that groups can be sure that they are on target including project proposals, group progress reports, etc. The final product will be in the form of a poster. The poster will basically be a lab report pasted onto some cardboard (aesthetically pleasing of course) and each group will explain their project to the teacher. Further information will be provided as the project progresses to be sure that students understand and are able to meet expectations. Currently, your assignment is to think about what scientific topics in which you would like to potentially inquire. It is important to note that the topic that will be chosen will be **very broad. **The reasoning behind a broad topic is to allow students to have as many options as possible regarding research/experimental questions which they would like to attempt to answer. So, including any possible **biological** areas, what interests you? Is there anything out there you’ve always wondered about and would like to try to find the answer? The point is to choose a topic in which you are interested; this will allow the project to be fun and appealing to you. ** Timeline **
 * Mini Group Four Project **
 * Background **
 * Further understanding of scientific reasoning and methodology
 * Use of the scientific method as well as scientific equipment (if necessary)
 * Designing an effectual research/experimental proposal and effectively implementing that proposal
 * Developing the ability to work in joined effort with others and the ability to efficiently coordinate group endeavors
 * Apply acquired knowledge of sciences
 * Encourage curiosity (have some fun and make sure the topic is interesting to you)
 * Goals **
 * The Project **
 * Current Assignment **
 * Thursday 2/12/09** project topic will be discussed in class & groups will be assigned.
 * Wednesday 2/18/09** topic for the entire class will be chosen. Groups will discuss possible subtopics within the overall class topic.
 * Friday 2/27/09** class meeting **in the library** where individual groups will begin researching topics. Research methods/requirements will also be discussed. Each student will research at least one topic so that several topics can be researched. By the end of this class period each group should have a few ideas of what they would like to do for their project.
 * Week of CSAP (March 2-6)**class meetings **in the library** where individual groups will continue to research topics.


 * Monday 3/9/09 PROJECT PROPOSALS ARE DUE**. Proposals need include a **hypothesis** and **methods** you will use to test your hypothesis. This can be through experimentation or research. Describe your potential experiment or research. Your methods may change slightly during the experimentation process. This information will be summarized on your poster. Include how each member of the group will participate. Proposals **must be typed** and should be about one page long.
 * Late April FINAL PROJECT DUE DATE **
 * Note:** There will be more days in the library and other deadlines throughout the project where progress will be evaluated. These dates will be announced with plenty of notice. If you are involved in sports/activities that require time after school or on the weekends, this will require good scheduling on your part and awareness of when your personal schedule. **Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your time is more important than the time of other members in your group.**

Mini G4 Grading Sheet (150 POINTS) 1-has a project title 1-has all necessary information (intro, data, conclusion, works cited, etc.) 1-all sections are clearly labeled (intro, data, diagrams, etc.) 1-logical layout, organized 2-overall professional appearance
 * Appearance/Layout (6)**

2-pertinent background information 2-increases reader interest 2-purpose/research question is clearly stated 2-hypothesis is clearly stated
 * Introduction (8)**

2-clear and easy to understand 2-each table, graph, etc, is labeled //and// cited (if necessary) 4-data is appropriate and useful, i.e. reflects hypothesis 1/3-data is from research journals (1-at least one, experimental; 3-at least 3, research)
 * Data (9-experimental, 11-research)**

1-provides succinct, general overview 1-reader has strong idea of how the experiment was performed
 * Procedure (2-experimental)**

2-works are cited properly 2-purpose/research question and hypothesis are restated 2-clear statement regarding the outcome of the project (supports, refutes, etc.) 6-at least 3 examples supporting conclusion(s) //using specific data// 4-explain things that could’ve affected/skewed data 2-explain ways experiment/research could’ve been improved 5-overall solid conclusion with strong support from data (subjective)
 * Conclusion/Data Analysis (23)**

1-proper format 1-research journals
 * Works Cited (2)**

5-knowledge 5-content 5-member contributions 10-overall impression (subjective)
 * Presentation (25)**

==**Groups: Madeline W. Emma T. Eleah W. Abigail S. Tara V.C. Bernadette V-S Gabe L. Sheila M. Breann P. Allison S. Kayla McC. Cassandra D. Katie M. Eric O'. Michael Feng Ashur P. Sally S. Ben M. Mohira A. Anna S. Sarah P. Kaila H. Amy Caroline D.   Eric S. Richard M. Lily T. Rachel B, Elyana, Emilie, Michal, Rachel C., Katie P Matt Z., Hayden R., Keegan M., Daniel McC Sara K, Eliot G, Nick  B Elijah, Naugh'tia S, Irma A, Erin B Leslie L., Tony Y. Jeffri M. Luis Z, Daran S. Maggie M. Anne B, Perrin T, Jacqueline E.    **==