Innovation Project

Task: Do something! Create a prototype to solve a problem. Research and report on a science topic or global science issue that is interesting to you. Test an independent variable to determine the effects or results. Most important… KEEP IT REAL!

KEEPING IT REAL(adapted from realworlddesignchallenge.org)

  • REAL PROBLEM - Provide a practical application of the science you have learned
  • REAL TOOLS – Be inspired by what is at your fingertips and what you can do
  • REAL ROLES - Teamwork through peer assessment, leadership and problem solving skills
  • REAL DESIGNS–Be creative, use critical thinking skills, and innovation
  • REAL CONTRIBUTIONS – You can make a difference but you have to do something!

ENGAGE~~~EXPLORE~~~EVALUATE~~~ EXPLAIN~~~EXTEND

Timeline: Decide what you want to do or begin narrowing it down. Talk to others to get an idea of what they are doing. This is not a typical “science fair project” but an opportunity for a project that interests you. See me if you are still struggling to decide what to do and maybe I can help.

The project report is dueDecember 1, 2015. The report is going to look different depending on the type of project you select. Minimum requirements are listed below for each project type but are not limited to just this description. Additional rubrics will follow for each project type.

Presentations for each class will be the following week. Your presentation must include a poster on standard size poster board or, even better a tri-fold board. Be prepared to briefly (5-7 minutes) discuss your project with your class and what you found out. Each grade will set up their display in a designated room for the week so that the other groups may tour and view the projects. Your name and block number must be on the board. This rubric will be given with each report type as the requirements are different as well.

Prototype: Discuss the problem or need that was the inspiration for your device or design. Keep accurate and very detailed illustrations and notes of your design process explaining each modification or alteration that you make along the way. Evaluate your design explaining errors that may have influenced the performance of the design and justify all changes. The report must include multiple illustrations with captions explaining the design process. Details connecting the science as to what was successful and factors that could be improved.

Research: Discuss the topic that you are exploring and why this is interesting or important to you. This is not simply a research and report what you learned project but research and offer an educated solution to help solve that problem or influence the outcome of the topic. You need add your insight and understanding. Discuss your solution or next step on that topic. For example, if you are interested in learning more about the effects on the quality of life of humans who decrease their processed food consumption then you will research and present what is already known about the topic then present an example diet or offer a suggestion that could improve the life of humans.

Experiment:Please follow the resource sheet provided at the beginning of the school year that outlines the required components for testing an independent variable. This must be at an accelerated grade level. If you can type in the question you are asking in an internet search engine and quickly find the answer then it is not grade appropriate. If you find the topic listed under elementary science fair projects then it is not accelerated grade appropriate. Please see me if you are unsure. The goal is to test something that is unique and cannot just be researched to find the answer. For example and appropriate project might include determining if there is a connection with height and birth month of SMS students (are taller students born in a particular month?).

HOW TO COMPLETE A LAB REPORT

The following may be parts of a laboratory investigation. Not all of our investigations will have each part. Sometimes, you will be expected to complete all parts on your own; sometimes you will be asked to complete a few of them.

In order to complete quality work (and receive a quality grade), always double check your work and compare it to the guidelines below.

PURPOSE or RESEARCH QUESTION

The reason for the experiment. What are you testing?

Specific and complete.

HYPOTHESIS or PREDICTION

Answered in a complete sentence. Written as a statement rather than a question.

Refers to the question that was asked or the problem that was posed.

No use of internet or text slang (i.e. b/c, “4” instead of “for” . . .)

MATERIALS

All materials are listed with appropriate amounts and units included.

PROCEDURE

Numbered steps (must be clear and concise for others to follow)

Independent variable is identifiable.

Dependent variable is identifiable.

Controlled variables must be identified.

Measurement techniques defined and included.

Repeat trials are included if appropriate.

CHART / TABLE

Independent and dependent variables are identified. (There must be a connection in the data collection between the variables. For example, if you are testing to see what increases the speed of something then speed must be included on your chart)

Units of measurement are identified.

Column for the independent variable and dependent variable(s) are titled.

GRAPH

Appropriate graph is used (bar, line, pie, etc.).

Independent variable is labeled on the X-axis.

Dependent variable is labeled on the Y-axis.

Units of measurement are identified. (A Comparison of ______; The Relationship Between ______)

Appropriate Scale is used. (No tiny graphs on a large piece of graph paper.)

When graphing remember:

Dependent VariableManipulated

RespondentIndependent Variable

Y-axisX-axis

DATA ANALYSIS and CONCLUSION

Describes the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable (As X gets ______, Y gets ______).

Compares the specific independent variables.

Clearly explains what was learned in the experiment.

Error analysis. Discuss possible errors in data collection that should have been controlled but were not or issues that arose during testing that may have skewed or ‘messed up” that data.

May include a discussion on future tests or experiments inspired from this test.