ROCKDALE MAGNET SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY



Spring 2014 Syllabus for Magnet Research II/III/IV : Scott Bolen Phone: (770) 483-8737 E-mail: sbolen@rockdale.k12.ga.us Office & Lab Hours:3:15-4:15pm: Wednesday (let me know if you plan to arrive past 3:15pm)Course Description: Research II/III/IV is a course that is targeted towards 10th -12th grade students who are pursuing an independent research project. These projects should be of the highest quality and reflect the rigor of each student’s experiences in independent scientific research and coursework throughout his or her previous years at RMSST. Students will be trained in experimental techniques related to their projects. They will also be instructed in the appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical analysis procedures. This course meets for 90 minutes every other day. Additional time may be needed to perform experimentation.Materials: binder, dividers, loose leaf paper, calculator, logbook, USB-drive/Dropbox, blue or black penTexts: A Short Guide to Writing About Biology, 6th ed by Jan A. Pechenik (replacement cost $40.00) Research Methods in Physical Activity by Thomas and Nelson (replacement cost $77.00) RMSST Research Manual, 1st ed. (students may use the pdf version if they have lost their hard copy) Course Measurement Topics Measurement Topic 1: Experimental Design & Laboratory SkillsStudents will plan and carry out original scientific investigations individually or collaboratively to test hypotheses or possible design solution to problems.Student Products Include: Experimental Design Diagram, Use of Logbook in the laboratory, Introduction of Research Paper, Methodology, and Detailed Procedures Measurement Topic 2: Scientific Writing & ReadingStudents will evaluate previously published scientific literature as they develop their projects. Students will communicate their research by producing clear and coherent writing appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience. Student Products Include: Logbook, Research Plan, Research Paper, Symposium Slides, Research Poster/Science Fair Backboard, and Journal Club Presentations Measurement Topic 3: Data AnalysisStudents will evaluate collected data using descriptive and inferential statistics as well as written summaries of data trends. Student Products Include: Results, Conclusions and Reflections in Logbook, Results and Conclusions from Research Paper, Results at Symposium, and Research Poster ConclusionsMeasurement Topic 4: Professionalism & PresentationsStudents will demonstrate accepted practices of professionalism in their communication, laboratory work, writing, and presentation dress.Student Products Include: ISEF Paperwork Approval, Elevator talks, Journal Club presentations, Symposium Presentation, Emails to Mentors/Authors, and External Science CompetitionsResearch 2-4 Tentative Schedule:MonthCourse Units and ActivitiesResearch ActivitiesJanuaryCommunication of Research Findings RRSEF & GJSHSShowcase & SymposiumDeveloping New Project IdeasNew Project Idea Brainstorming?GJSHS Applications- due January 10 Poster printing contract- due January 14?Final Backboard check- January 28th ?Rockdale Regional Science and Engineering Fair (RRSEF) setup- January 30th ???Practice showcase presentations ?Rockdale Regional Science and Engineering Fair (RRSEF) Competition- January 31st FebruaryCommunication of Research Findings Showcase & SymposiumDeveloping New Project IdeasResearch PlansLogbooksProfessional Development & College PlanningUpdate Naviance resume and College Exploration (10th)Mock Job Fair (11th) ???Practice showcase presentations ? RMSST Showcase & Symposium- February 11th ??? Development of New Research Plan ??? Start new project logbook GJSHS Symposium- Februrary 23-25th MarchDeveloping New Project IdeasJournal Club Presentation on Key Background ArticleIntroduction and Literature ReviewCommunication of Research Findings Online Project Portfolio Science Competitions ISWEEEP Application & Financial Aid Deadline- first week of March? Google Global Science Fair/Online Portfolio due ? Georgia Science and Engineering Fair- March 27th-29th ? Development of Introduction and Literature reviewAprilDeveloping New Project IdeasMethodology & Detailed ProceduresData Interpretation PlanOral Presentation Professional DevelopmentInternship Interviews (11th)Judging 9th grade posters (11th) ??? Methodology and detailed procedures???Develop data interpretation plan???Create oral presentation for new project??Judging 9th grade posters (11th) MayDeveloping New Project IdeasAlpha Testing & Ordering MaterialsComplete Research Proposal Understanding Scientific LiteratureJournal Club Presentation??? Alpha testing and editing of detailed procedures. Order materials ???Complete research proposal due ?International Sustainable World Project Olympiad (ISWEEP) – April 30th-May 5th ?International Science and Engineering Fair –May 11-16th, Los Angeles, CAGrading Policy: Achievement: Coursework grades are based on standards mastery with the end goal that all students become stronger independent thinkers and more equipped scientific researchers. Please review the first page of this syllabus that includes the measurement topics each student must master. The five-point standards scale (below) is entered in the grade book using the ten point conversion listed in the table below. For example, if a student earns a 4 on an assignment, they will receive 9.5 out of 10 in the grade book. Students may be required to resubmit major assignments if the initial level of performance does not indicate acceptable mastery of the standard. To account for student improvement over time, initial grades that are below standard may be dropped if the student has mastered the standard by the end of term. The student’s coursework average will represent the percentage of points earned on all assignments over the course of the grading period. The final exam will consist of both the final version of the research paper and their science fair portfolio. The final semester achievement grade will be composed of 80% coursework and 20% final exam. Table 1: Standards Based Grading Levels and DescriptionsLevel NameDescriptionGrade bookScore (Out of 10)ExceedsStudent is extremely well qualified and exceeds the standard.10MeetsStudent is well qualified and meets the standard.9.5ApproachingStudent is qualified and approaches the standard. Some growth or additional evidence of standard mastery is needed.8.5Needs Significant ImprovementThere is little evidence that the student is qualified and significant growth and improvements are needed.7.5Limited EvidenceExtremely limited evidence of mastery in demonstration of the standard.5No EvidenceNo evidence0Learner Behaviors: It is important that students practice work habits and behaviors that will support their academic achievement and success in life. Student progress in these habits and behaviors will be reported in the following key areas: Conduct and BehaviorTimelinessHomework CompletionWork HabitsStudent performance in these areas will be rated on a scale of 1(low) - 4(high). Research Student Expectations: The student assumes primary responsibility for all aspects of the research process and production of a documented scientific paper/presentation including:Active participation in the class website and Rockdale Virtual Campus (as directed) and compliance with all requirements regarding its appropriate useConducting original research into a problem approved by the faculty committeeWorking responsibly with mentors/faculty advisorsKeeping a research logbook following guidelinesMeeting all deadlinesReading completely all literature referenced in the research paper/presentationRespect copyright laws and do not plagiarizeThe Magnet Honor Code will be strictly enforcedParticipation in the Rockdale Magnet School Symposium Participation in the Rockdale Magnet School Science FairKeep all electronic files on a USB drive and bring this drive to class at all timesStudents who fail to comply with their course responsibilities will be required to participate in mandatory tutorial sessions related to the missing requirement.Classroom Rules and Procedures: In order to maintain a positive and productive environment in the classroom, rules and procedures must be understood and followed. Everyone has the right to learn. No one will be allowed to disrupt the learning process for others. Students are responsible for their own behavior and appropriate classroom behavior is expected from each student at all times.1. Students should be in their seats and completing bell work assignments before the tardy bell rings. 2.Students are required to bring their agenda (with all assignments recorded), textbook (when appropriate), 3-ring notebook, logbook, pencil/pen, and all research project supplies including jump drives to class every day. 3. Assignments must be turned in at the beginning of the class period that they are due. No late work will be accepted without a written request for extension and attendance at a morning work-ahead tutorial. If you are absent on the date an assignment is due, you must hand in the assignment on the day of your return unless other arrangements have been made. You will have five days to make up work assigned during your absence upon return.4. Rubrics are important teaching and learning tools. Students should use them as a checklist to make sure they have completed all components of an assignment. The original rubric and paper must be turned in with all subsequent drafts. 5. Cheating in the form of plagiarism, copying, supplying answers, etc. is a violation of the RMSST Honor Code. All work handed in must be your own unless a group project or assignment is involved. .In addition to the rules listed above, the Magnet Code of Conduct must be followed as outlined in the Magnet Student Handbook; all RCHS rules will be enforced. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary referral.Magnet Research II/III/IV SyllabusRockdale Magnet School for Science & TechnologySpring 2014Please sign and return this form to Mrs. Baskett at the start of your next Research class. Please place your syllabus in the front of your research binder. Both my parents/guardians and I have completely read over the Research II/III/IV Syllabus and agree to comply with the guidelines presented.________________________________________________________Parent/Guardian SignatureDate________________________________________________________Student SignatureDate ................
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