Geology 12 Semester Project Throughout the course we will be exploring many various topics of Earth Science. Some topics may resonate with you more than others. Maybe there is one specific topic that intrigues you the most. Throughout the semester, you will have the opportunity to dive deeper into that topic and attempt to master an understanding of it. You will develop a guiding question that you will seek to not only answer and expand upon, but to then share your knowledge gained with others. Bi-weekly there will be days set aside for you to start planning and preparing your topic and presentation. At the end of the course, you will then use all the skills and knowledge gained to share your topic with the rest of the class. This may be in the form of a presentation, or a gallery walk like a science fair. Some examples of topics and guiding questions are below: Mineral Resources: - How are mines reclaimed when they are shut down to minimize environmental impacts? How does First Peoples approach to harvesting mineral resources play into modern methods in BC? Surface Features and the Hydrosphere: - - Looking at the specific features of BC, what are the major forces acting on landscape, both past and present? Most people rely on fresh water aquifers to source their drinking water. Yet, this source can often be easily contaminated or water levels can change. Look at the different ways that water moves through the ground and investigate how some of these issues are averted. In BC, many communities are located next to hills and mountains that are often unstable the rainy season causing many mass wasting events. What are the modern methods we use to control and prevent mass wasting and how do they compare to First Peoples methods used for generations? Oceanography: - What effects might be seen in BC due to climate change, sea level rise, and changing salinity of sea water? Earthquakes: - How does past history of earthquakes in BC help shape our understanding and planning for future events, such as the eventual “big one”? Plate Tectonics & Volcanism: - Earth is an ever-changing system. What might happen if the mechanisms beneath the surface stopped, are there existing places where this has happened? Weather: - How is climate change driving more extreme weather and how does this affect BC? Space: - Asteroids can contain an abundance of raw resources that are often hard to get on Earth. What are some of the pros and cons of potentially capturing and mining these space rocks? Compare and contract Earth’s Plate tectonics with other bodies in the solar system, both past and present. Geologic Time: - How might you be able to present the topic of geologic time in multiple ways to simplify understanding and teach the main ideas? There are many other possible topics and you will have a chance to investigate those topics through going over the textbook or researching on your own. The goal is to pick a topic that slightly expands upon what is discussed in class to apply the knowledge and skills we learn as well as to link it to our local community of British Columbia. Project Steps 1. Choose a topic: Be sure it interests you. Don’t pick one because you think it will be easy. What is it that you want to find out by doing this project? 2. Research your problem: Look at any books/websites that might help you, make observations by simply looking at things, talk to people, and find out as much as possible about your topic. Write down any ideas you have and where you got them. Also, keep note of all the information needed for citing your resources. 3. Plan a time line: Don’t leave everything until the last minute. If you need help, let me know and I can help break down the process into manage steps with you. We will be working on this throughout the semester. What specifically do you want to investigate? What sub-topics apply to your main topic? Where will you keep your information? Be sure to keep notes and write down everything you do and what happens. 4. Draw Conclusion: What did you learn from your research? Have you fully investigated all parts of the topic that you wanted? Are there still lingering unanswered questions that could be a follow up investigation at another time? 5. Construct your presentation: Get your cardboard display board so you can show all your work and have your hands free to point to sections when you give your presentation. Prepare a poster, or some other visual (avoid powerpoints) that you can relay the information you uncovered about your topic. Project Proposal Name: _______________________________________ Period: ______ Topic: (narrow down your ideas to the top 2 topic ideas) Subtopics (what might be smaller points to include or questions around each main topic that you have chosen?) Rationale: (why this topic, what resonates with you compared to other topics. Don’t just pick a topic that sounds “easy”, if you aren’t interested in it, this will become a chore rather than something you learn through your interest). Project Presentation Methods: Science Fair Poster Board Separate your topic into key topic areas and arrange the presentation in a science fair style poster board. Include pictures to help supplement your information about your topic. Infographic An infographic is a content driven visual poster. Whereas a poster quickly conveys a visual image, an infographic uses visuals to supplement text to deliver a content message. There are numerous resources you can use to create an infographic from a poster, word document (increase page size), photoshop, illustrator, etc. Some online sources: - Canva, Easil, Stencil, adobe spark, Snappa, Piktochart, etc. Prezi or Powtoon These digital programs allow you to spice up a powerpoint presentation where you need to focus on the various elements to your topic that you want to present. Oral Presentation Arrange with Mr. Sparkman to give a 1 on 1 oral presentation of your topic. Prepare a simple handout that outlines the key points you would like to present. This method needs to be scheduled in advance and will take place outside of class time. Video Interview Present your topic as if you are being interviewed for a news station. Prepare and edit your video and submit to Mr. Sparkman as an .mp4, .mov., any other common video format. A transcript of your interview or handout outlining the main points of your topic need to be submitted with your interview. Criteria Rubric Emerging Developing I can conduct research into a topic and present information Scientific Research I can search for information on a topic through the internet I can present information in complete sentences I can identify correct grammar and punctuation when communicating information in a specified format I can identify clear topics within my scientific research Visual Presentation Organization Content and Evidence I can present information using visuals or images only I can place topics in an ordered manner I can identify a science topic covered in the course I can present a visual that is complete to the topic I can decide appropriate information to include Proficient The information I research is detailed and understandable I can cite all sources used in my research giving credit to the author I can proof-read to check for errors and make corrections I can distinguish between scientific sources and personal opinion information I can present a visual/model that is precise and contains the necessary information I can create a visual that has the visuals tell the story supported with text I can sort information into relevant categories I can write key phrases in my own words to go along with the visual. I can summarize key points rather than blocks of text I can present information in a clear and organized method I can present a visual that uses the space effectively I can copy information from a source I can plan ahead and organize my layout I can relate topics from the course to the topic of the presentation I can find supporting details for my topic I can use correct vocabulary I can simplify information in my own words Extending I can easily identify separate topics and present them in logical order with supporting details attached I can take research and explain in simplified terms showing my complete understanding I can cite all sources in the correct format including images and extras that are not my own I can add extra details beyond the criteria to enhance the visual/model, but not distract from the message I can organize the visual/model to make the message/content immediately clear I can extend my knowledge of the topic beyond what was covered in the course, applying my complete understanding of the topic
