Science Projects and Research

Science is a vast and incredible subject. There are so many ways to teach and learn the
many concepts within the subject of science. Students have many different learning styles that
will affect how the information is absorbed. Many people learn by doing. We call those learners
kinesthetic learners. There is a major part of science that can be taught this way. However,
much of science is passed on from direct instruction. The doing part of science is great for
many reasons. It allows students to put the concepts they have learned into practice. Many
times through doing, the project overlaps into other concepts and disciplines in science
(Munakata, M. & Vaidya, A., 2015).
Before you get to the doing part of the project, there are several pieces that may not be as
exciting but are necessary. Research is the next big chapter in this assignment. Research plays a
major role in science. After a question has been asked or presented, research is to follow. Prior
to any tests or experiments, research has to be completed. I expect each project to have some
good, solid research before you begin to test. Please present your research to the class by writing
a 1-2 page essay on what you found to be true about your project. I would like you to focus on
what you found that was new to you. I would also like you to document any redirection in your
project that you have chosen.
At least 3 times a week, I want you to post a new entry in the blog section. Keep track of
your path that you are taking. Perhaps you find a specific part of your project that you want to
focus on or maybe there is one variable that interests you the most. I would like you to
document how that changes your thinking and your experimental phase. The blog page of your
website will be you journal that you keep.
As you move through the project, research will continue. Keep a resource page or
bibliography to cite all of your sources. I suggest logging the citations as you move through your
project. Do not wait until the last minute to log your citations. Trust me, it will only cause you
headache. Be on top of things and be organized.
To upload your material to the website, use MS Word to write out your research. Once
you are satisfied with your essay, you will upload by selecting the document button on the
editing portion of the website design option. Drag the document button to the area where you
would like to insert the document. Drop the button and an option to select what size you need
will be available. You may need to select extra large so that you will see more of your document
otherwise you will have to scroll. Select the upload tab and select the file you want uploaded
and click OK. I will put a tutorial if you need more assistance.

References
Munakata, M., & Vaidya, A. (2015). Using Project- and Theme-Based Learning to Encourage
Creativity in Science.Journal Of College Science Teaching, 45(2), 48-53.