The Science Investigatory Project
Teaching Research for High School Students
Ferly J. Lovete
Philippine Science High School-Bicol Region Campus
August 11, 2012
Research?
Systematic, controlled, empirical
and critical investigation of
natural phenomena guided by
theory and hypotheses
Research?
the systematic process of
collecting and analyzing
information to increase our
understanding of the
phenomenon under study.
(Prentice Hall)
Types of Research
Basic or Pure
Research (increase scientific
knowledge)
Applied Research
(solve problems or develop new
processes, products or techniques)
An Inspiration
A young innovator
achieves
childhood dreams
Inspire future researchers..
tackle their interests
inculcate positive thinking
let them experience
Research
Discuss local contribution
of the study (what, how
and when)
Multimedia presentation
Keep moving forward!
(Meet the Robinsons, 2007)
Research-oriented
Efficient
Scientific
Enthusiastic/eager
Analytical
Resourceful
Creative
Honest
Economical
Resolute
The Researcher
Attitude of a Researcher
Intellectual curiosity
Outstanding work
ethics
Positive thinking
Strategic and wellwellplanned
Prudence
Healthy criticism
Meticulous accuracy
Open--mindedness
Open
Patience
Perseverance
Persistence
Thoroughness
Questioning mind
Innovative ability
Resourcefulness
Cooperation
Skills for Scientific Investigation
Social and communication (written
and oral) skills
Well-developed skills in designing
and executing experiments
Analytical and Critical thinking skills
Problem solving skills
Statistical skills
Project management (Armstrong, 1998) –
skills in planning and implementation
Handling data (Armstrong, 1998)
IT Skills (Armstrong, 1998)
Factors that affect the Quality of the
Research Outputs:
Student-related (attitude and skills)
Topic-and/or study-related
Extraneous (parents, funds, school,
agencies)
Experience
Risks
Guidelines
Problems Encountered in Teaching
Research
procrastination
Lack of interest (for requirement
purposes only)
Lack knowledge and skills
necessary to pursue the study
Don’t plan ahead…NO
alternative plans
Topic for investigation is NOT
their interest
Easily give up
Solutions
Procrastination
Gantt Chart and Research
agreement
Lack interest (for requirement
purposes only)
Make research an interesting
endeavor
Lack knowledge and skills
necessary to pursue the study
Don’t plan ahead…NO alternative
plans
Topic for investigation is NOT line
of interest
Consult experts, read more
Scientific Literatures
Consultations – Action Plan
Let them choose their own topic
for study
Inspire and challenge them to
achieve more than the
expectations
Easily give up
Gantt Chart
Problems Encountered in Teaching
Research
Plagiarism
Limited and unreliable scientific
literatures
Not SMART research problems
Not workable experimental design
and methodology
No available protocols, laboratory,
materials, equipment, tests and
others
Data gathered and stated problems
are not parallel
Solutions
Plagiarism
Discuss the research ethics,
always cite the source
Limited and unreliable scientific
literatures
Search for peer reviewed online
journals, consult experts
Not SMART research problems
Revise the problem
Conduct Preliminary tests, assess
journal entry related to
methodology
Not workable experimental design
and methodology
No available protocols, laboratory,
materials, equipment, tests and
others
Data gathered and stated problems
are not parallel
Consult experts, provide
methodology adviser, identify
private and public lab/agency
Consult research teacher
Teaching Strategy
Research Skills Assignment
(library@pobox.upenn.edu,2008 )
Research paper or project (most common)
- which helps students learn to synthesize,
analyze and interpret information using
appropriate disciplinary content and
methodology.
Library Hunt – skills in searching for appropriate
scientific literatures
Teaching Strategy
Research Skills Assignment
(library@pobox.upenn.edu,2008 )
Research skills assignments help students answer the following sorts of questions:
What is a scholarly article?
What is considered a primary resource in this discipline?
How can I thoroughly search the scholarly literature on my subject?
How do I evaluate a resource's appropriateness for this assignment?
How does scholarly communication function within this discipline?
What sort of information is most appropriate for answering my
question?
Teaching Strategy
Experiential Learning (Constructivism)
visit Science Fairs
- to help students in topic selections
- to experience science and research
structured investigatory Project
-guide students in the investigations
Philippine Science High School SystemMeralco National Science Fair 2012
Philippine Science
High School SystemMeralco Management
Development
Corporation National
Science Fair 2011
References
Armstrong, Catherine (1998). 5Skills you need to become a researcher.
jobs.ac.uk
Bender , Patricia and Tipton, Roberta. (September 4, 2007). How is the Writer
Writing. http://newarkwww.rutgers.edu/guides/skills.htm.
University of Pennsylvania, ( January 09, 2008), 10:58:52 EST | 215-898-7555
| library@pobox.upenn.edu
Thank you!
Procedure
List all of the steps used in completing your experiment.
Remember to number your steps.
Add photos of your experiments.
Data/Observations
It is easier to understand the data if it is put into a table or graph.
Create a graph in Microsoft Excel and import it here.
Make sure all data is clearly labeled.