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All grades  Project 14 weeks

Fast-Track Science: Dive into Discovery!

Genevieve B
9-12.AF.3.3
9-12.AF.3.1
9-12.AF.6.5
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This elective immerses students in the authentic process of scientific inquiry, fostering their ability to independently design and conduct research that addresses real-world issues. By engaging with community partners and presenting at regional science fairs, students connect classroom learning to broader scientific communities, enhancing their sense of place and identity. Through iterative feedback and reflection, students refine their projects, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for ethical and impactful scientific exploration.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of research design and methodologies, including literature review, hypothesis development, and experimental design. They will learn to conduct investigations ethically and safely, considering environmental, social, and personal impacts. Through self-directed learning and critical thinking, students will refine solutions to real-world problems, using scientific knowledge and evidence. By engaging with community partners and presenting their findings at science fairs, students will build a sense of identity and belonging, enhancing their academic mindset and self-efficacy.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 9-12.AF.3.3 - Plan and conduct an investigation or test a design solution in a safe and ethical manner including considerations of environmental, social, and personal impacts.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 9-12.AF.3.1 - Plan an investigation or test a design individually and collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence as part of building and revising models, supporting explanations for phenomena, or testing solutions to problems. Consider possible confounding variables or effects and evaluate the investigation's design to ensure variables are controlled.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 9-12.AF.6.5 - Design, evaluate, and/or refine a solution to a complex real-world problem, based on scientific knowledge, student-generated sources of evidence, prioritized criteria, and tradeoff considerations.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create comprehensive research proposals that detail their methods, materials, and budget, which will be vetted by a panel of AHS teachers. They will develop a scientific paper and a visual posterboard presentation for the San Juan Regional Science Fair, with the potential to advance to the Colorado State Science Fair. Throughout the course, students will compile a reflective journal documenting their learning process, self-assessments, and feedback from peers and teachers. These products will demonstrate their understanding of the scientific method, research methodologies, and ethical considerations in scientific inquiry.

Launch

Begin the course by inviting students to a brainstorming session where they generate lists of questions and interests that spark their curiosity. Facilitate small group discussions where students share their ideas and identify potential research topics that align with their passions and community relevance. Introduce community partners like the San Juan Regional Science Fair and Fort Lewis College to help students envision the real-world impact of their projects. Encourage students to think critically about how their questions can be explored with integrity, setting the stage for their scientific journey.

Exhibition

Students will present their research findings at the San Juan Regional Science Fair using poster boards that clearly display their scientific process, data, and conclusions. This exhibition will allow students to engage with peers, educators, and community members, fostering dialogue and feedback on their projects. Successful presentations may advance to the Colorado State Science Fair, providing further opportunities for students to showcase their work and gain recognition.