SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS (SRM)
MRS. DASCHEL/MRS. THIEL
2013-14
Welcome to Science Research Methods (SRM). This course is designed to
introduce you to the methodology of science investigation and to involve you in
science research and problem solving. Students will research a problem they
have identified in an area of their interest. Students then contact local scientists
for assistance and/or research materials. After planning the approach to the
study in a collaborative manner with a mentor, the instructor and other students,
the student will conduct the experiment, collect and analyze data, write a
scientific paper, produce an informative poster and prepare an oral presentation.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:
 Treat all persons with courtesy and respect.
 Treat all equipment and materials in an appropriate and safe manner.
 Come to class prepared: work completed-, with paper, pen/pencil, and lab
book.
 Be on time. You are-considered tardy if you are not in your seat when the bell
rings.
 ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD, DRINK OR GUM IN THE CLASSROOM OR
LAB!!!
GRADES:
Grades will consist of reading assignment summary/presentations, reading log, project
data log, short papers, lab visit presentations, science lecture summaries, etc. and your
final paper, poster and oral presentation.
Letter grades will be determined according to the following scale:
100 or above = A+
92 - 99 = A
90 - 91 = A88 - 89 = B+
82 - 87 = B
80 - 81 = B78 - 79 = C+
72 – 77 = C
70 - 71 = C68 - 69 = D+
62 - 67 = D
60 - 61 = DBelow 60 = F
Grades will be posted on line. Please check your grade for accuracy periodically as
assignments are returned to you. At mid-quarter students with a C- grades or lower will
have a formal progress report sent home.
SCIENCE LECTURES:
You will attend one science lecture 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters and write a short
summary/review paper. These lectures are brought to Portland by the Institute for
Science, Engineering and Public Policy. The dates and topics of these lectures will be
given to you during the first few weeks of school. Small groups of students will be
responsible for preparing post-lecture presentations for the class.
LAB VISITS AND GUEST SPEAKERS:
In order to get to know scientists and how they do research we will be visiting a number
of science labs and having a number of scientists visit us. You will be required to take
notes and to write papers and/or make presentations about them. I’m hoping to make at
least one trip outside the Portland area to visit labs. If you have a specific area of
interest or know someone who would be willing to share their lab or come and speak to
us about their research, please let me know.
READING:
In preparation for visiting research labs, you will be reading current science literature
pertaining to the work being done in those labs to gain background in those areas of
research. You will be expected to keep a “Reading Log” in your lab notebook. Through
the year you will be asked to read and review various science articles.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
Written work is due at the beginning of the period. Assignments turned in late are
docked 5 points per day. If you are absent the day an assignment is due, that
assignment is due upon your return. If you are absent when the assignment is made,
you will get an extension to make up your work. You need to arrange a new due date
with me and I will note that on the top left hand comer of your paper. If there is no date
on the comer, the assignment will be treated as late.
Your final paper, poster and oral presentation will not be accepted late. If you must be
absent on the date the paper or poster is due you may send the work in with someone or
mail it (postmarked the day it is due). You need to be sure you schedule your final
presentation for a day you know you will be at school. You may switch days with
someone else if a problem arises, but this must be worked out so each scheduled time is
filled.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR INITIATING ANY DISCUSSIONS REGARDING
MAKE-UP WORK. PLEASE COME WITH A PLAN THAT CAN BE DISCUSSED.
QUESTIONS:
Please don’t hesitate to come and see us outside of class if you have any problems or
questions. We are available
--Before school (7:30-8:00 am) and during break every day.
--After school on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and some
Tuesdays
SCIENCE CLUB MEETS ON TUESDAY DURING LUNCH !!!!
SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS (SRM)
COURSE OVERVIEW
MRS. DASCHEL/MRS. THIEL
2013-14
First Semester
--What is the nature of science research?
--How are research questions answered in the lab or field?
Students will explore the past and current methods of research
done by scientists through selected videos, readings, journal article
reviews and presentations, visitations to research laboratories,
attendance at science lectures and mini research projects.
Second Semester
--What is the nature of the relationship of the mentor and
students in research?
--How is research communicated to the scientific community?
Students’ work with chosen or selected mentors to design a project to
answer a specific question related to their mentor’s research.
Students write a proposal for the class and perform research with
their mentor investigator. The student will spend much of the time in
the library and laboratory collecting data. During the final quarter,
students spend time analyzing the data collected and preparing their
final project paper, poster and formal presentation.