This is a sample lesson that could be developed based on the interest of the students and the standards to be covered. It is intended that the production of a Junior Science and Humanities project be inquiry based. The JSHS project guidelines are attached here. The judges’ scoring system for JSHS projects are attached here. Inquiry lessons necessitate students taking control of their learning and pursuing topics of interest to them within the realm of the course. This lesson was developed as a model for a JSHS project. Several other ideas for projects were given on the SC2001 page. Teachers can suggest models and ideas for students to develop projects but the final decision must be the students’. For more information on inquiry go to http://inquiry.uiuc.edu/. This model could be applied incorporating statistics into any science course.
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Day 1 |
10 minutes |
Brainstorm/Discussion of the kinds of technology teenagers use and the effect it has on their grades. (Keep for Inspiration Model on Day 3.) |
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15 minutes |
Introduce the concept of Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Review timeline and requirements for participation at http://jshs.org. Brainstorm topics relevant to physics or of particular interest to students. |
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10 minutes |
Discussion of Experimental Design and what goes into making a good project. Introduce the idea of architectural design and variety and appropriateness of materials. |
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50 minutes |
Explore website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig. Divide students into groups to explore the 4 labs: Forces, Materials, Loads and Shapes. Last 5-10 minutes, jigsaw and report back to group. |
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Day 2 |
55 minutes |
Given file folders and masking tape, students create columns that support the most weight. Describe the variables to be controlled. Identify the shape of the columns that were most and least successful. Attempt to discuss reasons. Tie into JSHS project- stress, forces, materials, etc. |
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30 minutes |
Review standards for Intro to Physics class. Identify topics covered to broaden area for exploration. Research potential topics for JSHS project. Collect resources. Gather background information. |
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Day 3 |
85 minutes |
Introduction to Inspiration. Use graphic organizer software to develop plan for topic. Continue to collect background information on topic. |
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Day 4 |
85 minutes |
How to design surveys. Prepare survey to be given out to other students on alternate day. Discuss random sampling. |
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Day 5 |
24 minutes |
Look at Stella model and identify variables that impact students’ grades in terms of technology. Predict outcomes given definite numbers. Vary known data to identify relationships between technology use and grades. (Usual actual data from surveys) |
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60 minutes |
Organize data collected from survey and apply to model. Re-run model and describe relationships. |
Project is ongoing. JSHS projects take anywhere from 1-6 months to develop and complete. Statistical analysis will be done in statistics class.
Many of my assessments take the form of rubrics and especially those showing collaboration and teamwork skills. The general websites given for finding rubrics will give many examples of existing rubrics so that teachers can make modifications to existing work instead of re-inventing the wheel.