The research approach helps integrate scientific facts and problem solving, which is the essence of science. The research experience can help students develop a meaningful understanding of science concepts and phenomenon, and then apply what they have learned to real-world problems. This approach will also allow students to construct their knowledge by being engaged in solving authentic problems, and working with others to build solutions. In other words, it is an approach that teaches students "about" science by "doing science".
Criteria for the Research Project
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Students devise their own questions and hypotheses so that they can see science as a mode of inquiry; one that deals with more questions than answers.
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Design, critically evaluate, and perform their own experiments, because you learn science by doing science.
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Gather and analyze their own experimental data, so they can appreciate the uncertainties associated with scientific results and recognize the limitations of science.
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See the interrelationships between different scientific disciplines and between science and mathematics, because it has been shown that students often learn science better when an interdisciplinary approach is taken, since computational skills are crucial to solving problems in real-world settings
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Work in small groups so that they can learn from each other as well as from the instructors, and because active learning is facilitated by team projects and group assignments.
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Take the scientific enterprise to its final stage, reporting the experimental results in both written and oral formats, because effective communication is a crucial aspect of the scientific process.
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The investigation must be based on student generated question(s).
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All projects must keep journal records, preferably electronic.
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Journals may include work schedule, predictions, reasoning underlying predictions, observations (data tables), drawings/illustrations, explanations, sense making, reflections, citations etc.