Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan
STEM Research Handbook
In it to Love it
2017-2018
Welcome to Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan! Here at BCMAR, we are committed to doing whatever it takes to achieve dynamic advancements in science, technology, mathematics, engineering, and math. Every year, students submit research proposals to investigate their own scientific inquiries and/or engineering innovations. Now it is your turn to complete a research project (a science or engineering investigation) to contribute to the world around us! Let’s begin…
Name: ______
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page # / Title3 / It Takes A Village: A Letter to Parents and Guardians
4 / Important Dates and Deadlines
5 / STEM Research Ice Breaker
6 / Project Categories
7 / Graphic Organizer
8 / Research Proposal
9 / Research: Introduction
10 / Research: Annotated Bibliography
11 / Research: Procedure/Methods
12 / Research: Results
13 / Research: Discussion
14 / Research: Conclusion
15 / Research: Abstract
16 / Research: Bibliography
17 / Poster Display Layout and Poster Label
18 - 21 / Grading Scale and Rubrics
22 / Consent Form Guide
23 / Resources
24 - 26 / Science Fair Rules and Guidelines
27 / Checklist
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Dear Parents/Guardians:
As a health science school, we take science seriously. All BCMA at Ryan students do an independent science or engineeringinvestigation, write a manuscript (a research reporton their investigation) and present their manuscript in the format of a poster. The projects will be graded and all posters will be part of our BCMAR (Science Fair) Science Symposium, which will be January 19th, 2018, 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm. Winning projects will move onto district and for seventh and eighth graders, they will move on to the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH). Every year we are very proud of our students. In previous years, we’ve had over 15 students place in district and multiple teams that won awards at SEFH and went on to State.
The STEM research handbook contains important information and is electronically available on the BCMA at Ryan Science Fair website. BCMA at Ryan and HISD follow SEFH guidelines. Please go through it carefully with your student(s) and see their health science teachers for questions.
Students will begin identifying research questions in their health science classes. We highlyencourage you to engage at home with them in order to ensure optimal levels of success on their projects. Please note: Most of the student’s research will be done outside of the classroom.
Students will need to register for an account on Scienteer.com in order to actively track research progress at The student will need your email address to register. Please help your student get registered by helping them fill in the form in the above link, then please look in your email for a message askingto verify consent and verify.
Some class time will be available during the fall for students to work on their independent research components. It will be the student’s responsibility to prepare and finalize the independent research project, work outside of school on their investigation (data collection and observations), and be productive during class time designated for research. Please find the deadlines below and please note some of them may be subject to change by your health science teacher. Research projects are due December 4th/5th. Students are required to submit a manuscript (the poster in paper format), a poster and a notebook. Pay closest attention to the manuscript and notebook rubrics and all else will fall into place.
Saturday advisoryfrom 8 am – 10 amat BCM with experts occur on: 10/21, 11/4, 12/2, AND at BCMA at Ryan on the following days: 10/14, 10/28, 11/11, 11/18 (students will be notified of changes in advance).
Thank you for doing all you can to make this research process a positive and productive experience.
S.T.E.M. Specialist
Beatriz Perez-Sweeney, PhD
Health Science Teachers:
Mr. Aguilar:s. Brown:
Mr. Rasti: s. Torres:
Mr. Wertz: r. Williams:
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
Research Component / Tentative Due Date / Teacher Due Date(to be filled in by the student)
Research Proposal (Question, Hypothesis, Background information supporting the hypothesis, Statement of why the project is interesting, and the Procedure/methods that will be used)INCLUDING a draft annotated bibliography showing information that supports the hypothesis. / October 2nd B Day
October 3rd A Day
Annotated Bibliography (showing information that will be included in the introduction) / November 2nd A Day
November 3rd B Day
Results in table/graph format, Summary of the results, Abstract Draft / November 27thA Day
November 28thB Day
(after Thanksgiving Break) / November 27th
November 28th
(after Thanksgiving Break)
Manuscript(Paper) / December 4thB Day
December 5thA Day / December 4th
December 5th
Oral Presentation and Poster / December 11th A Day
December 12thB Day
BCMAR Science Symposium / January 19th
(4:30 pm – 6:00 pm)
District Fair / TBA by Houston ISD
Science and Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH) / February 23rd and 24th
Please note that dates are subject to change per your respective Health Science Teacher. Tentative due dates will be as followed unless noted otherwise by the teacher. Time management is the key to producing a quality STEM research project. We strongly recommend that all or most of the data be collected during the month of October. Please contact your teacher in advance to discuss conflicts with due dates or questions about upcoming deadlines!
STEM Research Ice Breaker
List three inventions that you think are important to society:
- ______
- ______
- ______
List the name of two scientists you know and their scientific advancement:
- ______
- ______
Now, find other students in the class who agree with each “I” statement below. You cannot repeat names (unless the class size is less than 20). The first person to fill their list with signatures wins. Good luck!
- ______I can list the steps of the scientific method
- ______I have cited an article in MLA format
- ______I have worn a lab coat and goggles
- ______I listed 1 of the same inventions
- ______I listed 1 of the same scientist
- ______My favorite subject is science
- ______I have used a beaker or graduated cylinder
- ______I am very organized
- ______I will become a doctor one day
- ______I enjoy learning new things
- ______I support the “A” (art) in S.T.E.A.M
- ______I have visited a science museum
- ______I can name 5 elements on the periodic table
- ______I know how many grams are in a kilogram
- ______My favorite subject is math
- ______I work well with other people
- ______I will work in the STEM field one day
- ______I can list the three R’s (environmental science)
- ______I am open to new ideas and topics
- ______I will complete this research project (on time)
PROJECT CATEGORIES
Now that we have begun to think like scientist, it is time to organize our thoughts. Below is a list of categories that your research project will fall into. Read the brief descriptions and then use the graphic organizer to select your top category of interest. The categories from SEFH are as followed:
1 | Page
- Aerospace Engineering(the study and designing and testing of aircrafts and related systems)
- Animal Sciences (animals, animal life, life cycles, and animal interactions within their environment)
- Behavioral & Social Sciences (the study of the thought processes and behavior of humans and animals)
- Biochemistry (the study of the chemical processes occurring in living organisms)
- Biomedical and Health Sciences (focuses on issues of human health and disease)
- Cellular and Molecular Biology (studies the structure, function, pathways, and formation of cells)
- Chemical Engineering (using chemistry, biology, and physics to solve problems in man-made products)
- Chemistry (the science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter)
- Civil Engineering(includes the design, construction, and maintenance of the “built” environment)
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (studies focused on the discipline and techniques of computer science and math as they relate to biological systems using modeling and simulations)
- Earth & Space Sciences (the study of sciences related to planets, solar systems, and the universe)
- Electrical Engineering(includes electronics, digital computers, power engineering, and radiofrequency)
- Energy & Transportation (includes alternative fuels, fossil fuel energy, and vehicle development)
- Environmental Engineering (creating processes and infrastructure to solve environmental problems)
- Materials & Bioengineering(the study of the characteristics and uses of various materials with improvements to their design which may add to their advanced engineering performance)
- Mathematics (studies using algebra, analysis, or probability)
- Mechanical Engineering (involves the generation/application of heat and use of machines and tools)
- Microbiology (the study of micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and antibiotic substances)
- Physics & Astronomy (studies related to the science of matter and energy and of interactions between thetwo; astronomy is study of anything in the universe beyond the Earth)
- Plant Sciences (studies of plants and how they live, structure, development, and classification)
- Robotics and Intelligent Machines (studies on how the use of machine intelligence can potentially reduce the reliance on human intervention)
1 | Page
GRAPHIC ORGANIZER
Which two categories are you most interested in? What are two possible items from each category that you would like to learn more about and possibly investigate? Write those items in the form of a question.
Category 1: ______
Investigation Questions:
- ______
- ______
Category 2: ______
Investigation Questions:
- ______
- ______
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Name:
Class Period:
If Team, Members of your team (maximum 3 members):
Question:
Hypothesis:
Annotated bibliography(also called citations or references) ofother research/observations that you read about which supports your hypothesis (see page 10 for additional details).
A quote of the information that you think is useful to your project / A paraphrase of the quote / CitationNote: You may use a weblink for the citation in your proposal, but in your annotated bibliography and manuscript, it must be the full citation in MLA format:
Materials you need and the steps you will take to test your hypothesis (Procedures). You may use the backside:
RESEARCH:INTRODUCTION
What is an introduction?
The introduction leads the reader from a general subject area to a particular topic of inquiry. It establishes the scope, context, and significance of the research being conducted by summarizing current understanding and background information about the topic, stating the purpose of the work (why is it important, for example), the questions or problems you are addressing and the hypothesis. The introduction must include related research completed by others and the hypothesis must be supported by such research.
------
Brain Storm of Key Points to Include
______
______
______
______
______
RESEARCH: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
The bibliography is also called citations. As you continue read about your topic, stop when you find information that you think is useful and quote it, then summarize the information in the central column and write the citation in the right column. Use MLA format for the right column. You may use easybib ( If you use more than one box for a citation, then record that citation next to each box you use. Use complete sentences and correct grammar. You may hand write or type the answers. You may download an electronic version at ( You must have at least five annotated citations in your manuscript.
A quote of the information that you think is useful to your project / A paraphrase of the quote / CitationRESEARCH: PROCEDURE/METHODS
What is a procedure?
The methods section describes actions to be taken to investigate a research problem and the rationale for the application of specific procedures or techniques used to identify, select, process, and analyze information applied to understanding the problem, thereby, allowing the reader to critically evaluate a study’s overall validity and reliability. The methodology section of a research paper answers two main questions: How was the data collected or generated? And, how was it analyzed? The writing should be direct and precise and always written in the past tense. The International System of Units (SI) must be used with measurements.
------
Key Points to Include
______
______
______
______
______
RESEARCH: RESULTS
What are results?
The results section is where you report the findings of your study based upon the methodology [or methodologies] you applied to gather information. The results section should state the findings of the research arranged in a logical sequence without bias or interpretation. A section describing results [a.k.a., "findings"] is particularly necessary if your paper includes data generated from your own research.
------------
Key Points to Include
______
______
______
______
______
RESEARCH: DISCUSSION
What is the purpose of a discussion?
The purpose of the discussion is to interpret and describe the significance of your findings in light of what was already known about the research problem being investigated, and to explain any new understanding or insights about the problem after you've taken the findings into consideration.The discussion will always connect to the introduction by way of the research questions or hypotheses you posed and the literature you reviewed, but it does not simply repeat or rearrange the introduction; the discussion should always explain how your study has moved the reader's understanding of the research problem forward from where you left them at the end of the introduction and states whether your results supported your hypothesis.
------------
Key Points to Include
______
______
______
______
______
RESEARCH: CONCLUSION
What are the components of a good conclusion?
The conclusion is intended to help the reader understand why your research should matter to them after they have finished reading the paper. A conclusion is not merely a summary of the main topics covered or a re-statement of your research problem, but a synthesis of key points and, if applicable, where you recommend new areas for future research. For most manuscripts, one well-developed paragraph is sufficient for a conclusion, although in some cases, a two or three paragraph conclusion may be required.
------------
Key Points to Include
______
______
______
______
______
RESEARCH: ABSTRACT
What is the purpose of an abstract?
An abstract summarizes, usually in one paragraph, the major aspects of the entire paper in a prescribed sequence that includes: 1) the overall purpose of the study and the research problem(s) or question you investigated; 2) the basic design of the study; 3) major findings or trends found as a result of your analysis; and, 4) a brief summary of your interpretations and conclusions. The abstract needs to be 250 words or less
------------
Key Points to Include
______
______
______
______
______
RESEARCH: BIBLIOGRAPHY
The bibliography is also called citations. This only list the resources that you used to get information for your introduction, procedures/methods and discussion and conclusion. Do your best to follow MLA format (See SEFH Guidelines. You may use easybib ( to help you. You should only use reliable resources from scientific magazines or organizations.
POSTER DISPLAY LAYOUT
A representation of a poster is below. Use the same headings and layout for your poster. You may also use the link to a Word Document that allows you to fill in the sections. See also SEFH Guidelines (pp. 24 – 26) for additional specifications on size and what is allowed to be displayed.
------Cut Here------
POSTER LABEL
Poster NumberTeam or Individual?
Fold Here / Fold Here
Teacher Name
Period
Independent ResearchRubric:Poster
Student’s Name: / Grade:
ProjectCategory: / Date:
ProjectTitle:
Teacher’s Name: / Score:
/_60
Poster:Thevisualdisplayboardismeant toattractattention, provide informationandshould
challenge onlookerstowant toknow moreabouttheproject. Neatness,completeness,and clarityarevery important.The visual displayshould presentthe information in the manuscript, present the projectlogically and serve as a proptoillustratework done. / Excellent / Present / Needs Work / but AttemptMade / Absent
- Omitted names from poster and placed poster number, teacher name and class period on the poster
- Introduction:Displayed a question or problem that couldbe answeredthroughexperimentation and/or engineering and background information
- Introduction:Displayeda hypothesis identifyingallrelevant variables(independent/dependent) and background information for explaining why the hypothesis was formed
- Procedure:Displayed materials used
- Procedure:Displayedsteps taken fortestingthe hypothesis, includingrelevantvariables and controls.
- Results: The number of trials for each experiment are evident in the data table and SI is used when measurements are displayed
- Results:Displayed proper experimentalanalysis (relevant tables and graphtypes) and summary
- Discussion and Conclusion: Displayed conclusion that is consistent with data obtained
- Discussion and Conclusion:Displayed conclusion that relates back tothehypothesis and relates back to what others have found in similar projects
- Appropriate posterlabels (title, introduction, procedures, results, discussion, conclusion)
- Neat, well organized,and visuallyappealing
- Text onposter islegible(fontsize/color)
- Visual aids onposter
- Acknowledgmentsandat least 5 citationspresent
- Poster and project demonstrateshighlevelofcreativity/originality
Opportunities forImprovement:
Independent Research Rubric:Oral Presentation
Student’s Name: / Grade:
ProjectCategory: / Date:
ProjectTitle:
Teacher’s Name: / Score:
/_40
Oral Presentation:The purposeof anoralpresentationis todemonstrate content knowledge
of theindependent research conducted.The presentationshoulddescribeeach part ofthe project— fromhowthe idea originated, throughthe literaturesearch,theformationof the questionor problem, the hypothesis,experimentaldesign, results,analysis,conclusions, and future applications — itis important torelaythisinformation tothelistener(s). / Excellent / Good / Needs Work / AttemptMade / Absent
NONVERBAL SKILLS
1. Studentmakeseye contact andrelieslittleonresources / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
2. Movementsisfluidandhelps the audiencevisualize orenhancesarticulation / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
3. Visual aids are well prepared, informative,effective, andnot distracting / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
VERBAL SKILLS
4. The presentationis coherent andclear andstudent demonstratescontent knowledge / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
5. Studentusesaclearvoice, precise pronunciationofterms, andaudience canhear / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
6.Student demonstrates a strong positive feeling about the topic throughout the entire
presentation / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
CONTENT
7. Presentationis withinthe time allotted(5minutes) / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
8. The presentationis coherent andclear / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
9. The presentationincludesanintroduction(with the question or purpose and hypothesis),
shortsummaryofthemethods/procedures, results andconclusion / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
ORGANIZATION
10.Presentationiswithin the time allotted (5minutes) / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
Opportunities forImprovement:
Independent Research Rubric:Manuscript
Student’s Name: / Grade:
ProjectCategory: / Date:
ProjectTitle:
Teacher’s Name: / Score:
/_60
Manuscript:Provides readerswithacomprehensivelook at the project.A goodmanuscriptincludes the title,abstract,introduction,hypothesis, materials and experimentalmethods/procedures, dataandresults,discussion,conclusion, bibliography/citation and acknowledgements. / Excellent / Good / Needs Work / AttemptMade / Absent
- Coverpage isincluded with allgroupmembers, title,date,teacher, gradelevel
- Abstract: A250wordorless summaryofthe projectincluding thepurposeoftheexperiment and or question investigated, hypothesis, procedure summary, results, and conclusion
- Introduction:Included the purpose,hypothesis,problem or question, project goals,and an explanationofwhytheresearchwasdone
- Introduction:Wrote hypothesisasan“If, then”statementincludingthe independent and dependent variable and is testable
- Introduction: Included because-type statement that explains why the prediction was made and references previous related studies (work done by others) that led you to make your hypothesis (background information)
- Procedures:Correctly identified allrelevantvariables (independent, dependent and control)
- Procedures:Provided a listofspecificitemsusedin theexperiment
- Procedures:Provided a greatly detailed stepby step descriptionfor how investigation was completed (including trials completed)
- Results:Included cleartablesand/or graphsofthedata. Included asummaryofthetablesand graphsthatisconsistentwith thedataobtained. Provided sufficient number of trials
- DiscussionandConclusion:Provided ananswertothequestionbased uponresults andincludedwhether or not the hypothesis was supported
- DiscussionandConclusion: Includedan explanationofwhat caused theresults, howtheresultsrelatetosimilar work done by others,andeither anypossibleerrors or next steps
- Discussion and Conclusion:Explanation and conclusion was consistent with the results
- Provided correct formatting(Typed, 12Pt. Times New Romanfont,doublespaced, 1 inch margins)an headings are used (Introduction, Procedures,Results, Discussion and Conclusions) and acknowledgements
- Limitedgrammar andspelling errors (1 or fewer errors is excellent…7 or fewer is attempt made or better)
- Bibliography hasallsourcescited correctlyusing MLA format
Opportunities forImprovement:
Independent Research Rubric: The Laboratory Notebook
Student’s Name: / Grade:
ProjectCategory: / Date:
ProjectTitle:
Teacher’s Name: / Score:
/_40
Laboratory Notebook: Thescientificlaboratorynotebook is aboundor spiralbookwith pages
that arenotremovable.The validityofdocumentationpartly depends uponinsuringthe work has not beentampered withor pagesremoved.One of the mostimportant aspects ofdoinga scienceorengineering projectisdocumentation.Every experiment shouldbe reproducible andthe entriesinthe notes shouldbesufficient forsomeoneelsetoreproducethe experiment. / Excellent / Good / Needs Work / AttemptMade / Absent
ORGANIZATION
1. Tableofcontentsis located inthe frontofthe notebook (first two pages) / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
2. Pagesare numbered correctlyin thetopright corner afterthetableof contents / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
3. Each sectionorpageis titled correctly(research question, methods, data,conclusion) / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
CONTENT
4. The purposeis clearly stated / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
5. The procedures are clearlywritten foreachtrial and dates are written down when observations or data are collected or when trials are executed / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
6. Appropriatemathematical formulas/calculations, SI when measurements are taken andmaterials used are included / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
ILLUSTRATIONDIAGRAMS
7. Computer print-outs,photographsaretaped/pasted intolabnotebook / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
8. All graphs andtablesarelabeled correctly / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
9. All entriesare entered inink withsinglelinedrawnovererrors / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
NOTEBOOK
10. Acompositionnotebook is used(bound) with nopagesremoved / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0
Opportunities forImprovement:
1 | Page