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MY OWN SCIENCE                   
Introduction and Guidelines
This project is one that you can choose and make entirely on your own. You can, should, and WILL consult others for resources, information, and ideas but at the same time this is your project to work on, plan, and complete. The topic, type, and length of your work are entirely up to you.

You will complete a minimum of three projects, all different types but they may be from the same subject area or from all different subject areas. Be sure to check the project and subject area with me prior to starting.

Subject list options here:
Physics
Chemistry
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Space
Technology
History of Science
Astronomy
Geology

Resources/Brainstorm ideas:
Websites
National Geographic
Library
Ms. Post
Your parents

Remember to choose something that you are interested in and enjoy! This is your work, OWN it.
However, do not be afraid to choose something that you may see as more challenging or unfamiliar – use this as an opportunity to grow. Furthermore, try to make connections between things we discuss in class and the topic you choose. The more connections, the more light bulbs, the more excitement!

Safety
PLEASE observe safety rules, which apply at school or at home. For example:

• Never randomly mix chemical or household substances
• Get permission before using fire; and
• Protect your eyes when using chemicals or projectiles.

Make sure to check in with your parents and use them to generate ideas as well!

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is stealing and is contrary to the Ten Commandments and any basic value system. Taking the work of someone else and calling it your own is never okay. Use your own words and produce your own work.

Ways to Avoid Plagiarism:

• Take notes and paraphrase
• When you like the way a sentence sounds, make sure to use “ “ quotation marks
• Remember to save and cite sources (Title, Author, Page number)

How to Organize Your Work

• Find a folder and somehow label it with: “My Own Science” and your name.
• Place this handout, your record forms, and loose leaf paper in the folder. Keep all notes, articles, lab reports, and any other papers in here.
• This will be your folder for the entire trimester. Keep it at home unless there is a scheduled check-in date that will require you to bring it to school.

Kinds of MOS Work
Use this checklist to be sure you do not choose two activities in the same category:

• Do a demonstration on a scientific topic in class and explain (must be arranged with me in advance) – must fully prepared and well documented.

 

• Do a science activity that someone else has developed.  Find an activity in a book or on the web.  Do the activity and described what you did and learned - share with the class and document well.

 

• Design an experiment, carry it out, analyze the results, and write up a lab report – turn in the lab report. You must write up everything as well as perform the experiment - must have all parts of a lab report completed.

 

• Read an article about a scientific topic.  Take notes.  Place the article in your folder.  Give a brief summary to the class -  if the article is a page or more, and the notes are thorough and in your own words.

 

• Visit a science museum, center, or program.  Take notes about some of the interesting things you learn.  Bring in your ticket stubs with your notes.  Share with the class. Make sure documentation is complete and thorough.

 

• Participate in a science workshop. Have the workshop leaders sign your form.  Be ready to share with the class what you did and learned.

 

• Interview a scientist (such as a family member or neighbor) about their work and education.  Take notes.  Bring in your questions and the interviewee’s answers. Share what you learned.

 

• Watch a good science TV program or video from the library.  Take notes on the main ideas. Notes must be in your own words.  Share a summary of what you learn.

 

• Make a poster about one of the following: a famous scientist, the scientific process, lab safety procedures. Your poster must be neat, and you must site your sources.

Make sure to check that your work is acceptable with your guide in the initial planning stages. Furthermore, do not hesitate to ask for help with any procedural or research
Your parent must supervise your work and sign your form. Work must be on time for full credit.
    
Due Dates:
What you should do:

Tuesday, September 19th - Get approval of 1st topic

Friday, September 29th - Check in 1st activity (turn in folder & work)

Monday, October 2nd - Get approval of 2nd topic

Tuesday, October 17th - Check in 2nd activity (turn in folder & work)

Monday October 23rd - Get approval of 3rd topic

Thursday, November 9th - Check in 3rd activity (turn in folder and work)

Either download rtf or print from link below:

http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/time-for-reflection-all-hallows-eve-all-saints-and-all-souls-day

Access to Seminar Articles:

Go to newsela.com
On the left hand side is the Class Code box. Enter: S5SC5M
Then register your own account with your personal username and password
You will join the Adolescents class.
Then you need to find the Text Sets assigned for the class.
This week's seminar article is Explainer: This is your brain.

Copy and paste this into your browser for your next seminar article:
news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/08/ice-age-fossils-underwater-cave-bears-humans-science/