Scientific Research Syllabus
2015-2016
Dr. Josephine Jeganathan (Dr. J)
Room # 227
Period/Block: 3
School Phone: 770-474-8747
Voicemail: 367
Email: jjeganathan@henry.k12.ga.us
Course Description: In scientific research you will engage in an in-depth exploration of
the scientific method coupled with inquiry-based projects designed to allow you to apply the
scientific method and enable you to think critically and outside the box. Your ultimate challenge
will be to submit a project to the Siemens “We Can Change the World” Challenge.
This class will also follow through your progress in Science Fair project as well as AP
Biology labs that need prolonged time and in making lab reports.
Sample Skills to be Addressed During the Course
Laboratory Safety
Scientific method
Measurement and Accuracy
Significant figures, calculations and reporting data in science
Basic Laboratory equipment: identification, care, and cleaning
Use of the laboratory burner
Density investigations and use of the analytical balance
Graphing
Percent composition
The Mole, preparation of solutions and dilution- percent composition, molarity, molality and density
The use of Excel
Use of probe ware
Use of a microscope
Use of pH meter
Use of spectrophotometer
Inquiry projects in Biology
Additional activities include challenges to promote scientific inquiry and investigation
Student interest and enthusiastic participation will optimize outcome in this class
Materials:
Text: Lab Handouts (provided by instructor). Lab notebook, which should be a composition
notebook that is bound (not spiral). YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE A SPIRAL
NOTEBOOK. If you have any difficulties, please inform the teacher. Additional materials
include a place to keep all lab handouts that you receive and other supplemental materials.
Grading:
Grading Scale:
Course Final Grade 85%
Daily Assessments 40%
A (90-100)
Test/Projects (Summative) 60%
Final Exam
15%
B (80-89)
C (74-79)
D (70-73)
NOTE: Test grades equal 60% of the Course Final Grade only, which accounts for 85% of the student
grade. Tests are NOT 60% of the total student grade.
Daily Consists of pre-lab assessments and lab notebooks. Your pre-lab should always be
completed BEFORE you begin the lab. Your lab notebook should be organized in the following manner:
Title page- Student Name, Instructor name, Class (Advanced Scientific Research)
Table of Contents- Lab Title (may be abbreviated) and Page Number
Heading- (to be included on each page) Lab Title, Date, Page Number
YOU MAY ONLY USE PEN IN YOUR LAB NOTEBOOK. IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE SIMPLY
STRIKE THROUGH IT. ONLY BLUE OR BLACK INK IS ACCEPTABLE.
Lab quizzes and lab cleanup will also be assessed as daily.
Tests- Consist of formal Lab Reports and Lab Tests. You are encouraged to pay close attention
in all aspects of conducting the lab. Lab tests will be required when a formal lab report is not required for a
particular lab.
Laboratory Procedures
You must follow all lab safety rules when conducting a lab.
Specific safety issues will be emphasized at the beginning of each lab. You are also required to sign a lab
safety contract to verify that you have read all lab safety rules before the first lab. This is a legally binding
document.
Make-up Lab- Labs are an important component to this class so you are strongly urged to
attend as absences could ultimately impact your grade. However, labs may only be made up the week of the
lab because it will be difficult to maintain the integrity of the lab longer than that. If your absences extend
passed the week the lab is conducted, alternative arrangements can be made.
Make-up Work: All work is expected to be completed for any absences. Time allotted to
complete work will be conducive to county guidelines. You will not be allowed to make up work for
unexcused absences. You are responsible for finding out what you have missed in class. Please see late
work policy below!!!
50% OFF Late Work Policy: All students will have the opportunity to make up work that
is not submitted on time (projects and research assignments excluded). STUDENTS WILL BE
ALLOWED TO TURN IN LATE WORK IN THE TIME PERIOD ALLOTTED FOR A 50%
PENALTY. NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS TIME PERIOD. Failure to make up
work in the time period allotted will result in a permanent zero for the student’s grade.
Late Work Policy: All students will have the opportunity to make up work that is not
submitted on time (projects and research assignments excluded). Assignments may be turned in with a 20
point/day deduction.
Daily Procedures:
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You are expected to adhere to all rules set forth by SHS.
Come prepared to work when you enter the classroom for optimal learning.
Eating, drinking, or chewing gum is not allowed.
All assignments are to be turned in upon entering to classroom. You are expected to be in your
assigned seats when the bell rings.
Respect yourself and others.
Tardy/Discipline Procedures:
Tardy: Locked out students go to the attendance office and come back with a pass to class.
First three tardy/offences -Verbal warning and parent contact
Fourth –sixth………….. - Detention and parent contact.
Seventh –tenth………… - Half day ISS
Eleventh onwards…….. - One day ISS + Referral.
Certain offenses may warrant skipping the first three steps.
Academic Honesty:
Students are expected to do their own work. Cheating will result in a zero for the assignment, discipline
referral, and an immediate parent contact.
Attendance:
Absences to class will negatively impact your grade. Student will not be able to make up any labs that are
missed unless you take prior permission and is at the teacher’s discretion.
Print Student’s Name: ------------------------------------
Print Parent’s Name: -------------------------------
Student Signature __________________________
Parent Signature _________________________
Date:-----------------