Biology Research Paper
General Information:
     

      All of what we know in science today is the result of research. Computer technology as we know it, treatment for cancer, vaccinations against viruses and our knowledge of genetics has been a direct result of research. And it is research that will hopefully lead one day to a cure for AIDS, the creation of more efficient fuels and a vaccine for the Ebola virus.
      Therefore, it is important that everyone understands how to conduct research, set up a study, collect data, and analyze the results. As Biology students you will have the opportunity to conduct such research throughout this school year. The information presented in this packet will provide you with an overview of expectations and due dates so that you can be successful in undertaking this project. However, this packet is by no means the answer to all the questions you may encounter as you continue on your project. As always you should ask for help as soon as you are unclear about a concept.
       The topic is of your choosing, as long as it relates to Biology. As all research sets out to answer a question, your topic should be in the form of a question. Your research should have you setting up a unique experiment or creating an answer to the problem posed.
The research and results you generate will be presented in a paper that you submit this coming April. This research project will impact your grade throughout the school year as each piece of the paper is collected, graded, and calculated into the overall grade of that nine weeks.
You will need to purchase a copy of the Lester book on how to write a research paper available at the book store.

 
Due Dates:  

 
September 13- Topics
        Topics and a brief description of how the topic will be explored using the scientific method. This information will be recorded on a worksheet given in this packet. This process is first come first serve, if there is a topic you really wish to do, then make sure to turn it in as soon as possible. No two students will be performing the same experiment. It is recommended to check the internet for suggestions, there are thousands of options out there.
ï10 points 5 for the topic, 5 for the explanation of what you want to do and why.
                   ïHanded in on a sheet provided
September 27- Bibliography Cards
         One ìBib cardî will be created for each source used in the research, including all internet sources, and whomever you interview! The purpose of the card is to organize information about the source that will be used when constructing a bibliography/ work cited page. Each entry will be on a separate index card and contain the following information: 1. Authors name 2. Title of the source 3. Publication information 4. Library call number, database, or internet identification 5. Personal note about the contents of the sources and how it might be used. No encyclopedias may be used, and only 2 internet sources maximum... if you interview a professional in the field and include the interview (not including mom or dad) in the paper you can earn 10 bonus points for the final paper.
ï15 points for 5 bib cards, with complete and correct information, 5 points per card.
                  ïAt least one in class library day will be provided
                  *** See  Lester for the Bib card format
October 18- Note cards and Hypothesis Statement
           Note cards are used to record information from sources so that the information can be used later in the writing of the paper. All notes should be paraphrased, unless a direct quote is absolutely necessary. A separate index card is used for each idea, one idea per card!!! Maximum you may have 5 direct quotes, the rest must be paraphrased. Remember to make a Xerox copy of all sources the moment you are done taking notes from them. If you do not have access to a copy machine, see me, I will be happy to make the copies for you. The hypothesis statement should be in the ìif...thenî format. It needs to be specific, and NOT global. It must be a testable statement that will prove something, and have a measurable result.
ï20 points for forty note cards, one point a piece, 8 points for a clear, testable hypothesis statement. Total 28 points.
                      **** See Lester for note card format

 
November 8- Rough draft I
      A typed and saved preliminary draft of the research paper. The content being graded is the introduction, background information, and works cited page. You will need to organize your notecards, and put together a proper introduction that catches the readers attention, and then draws the reader to the hypothesis.
The background research must include CITED information from your sources that clearly supports your hypothesis statement. All five sources must be cited in this section. Citations are your note cards, and every citation includes the authors name and page number. (Check Lester)
The Works Cited page must be in proper Lester format, and alphabetical by authors last name. Check the Lester book for correct format).
ï30 points- see sections from final rubric in this packet for expectations
               ïThis section should be 3-5 pages in length
December 6- Experiment Description
     A description of the experiment to be recorded on a sheet provided. This is the opportunity to check the experimental design against the scientific method model. Remember, you should be testing only one variable.
        A sheet will be provided for you in this packet. As you experiment, there are some things to keep in mind. First, Behavioral science experiments are fine, but Psychology surveys are unacceptable. Second, sample sizes need to be large enough so that your data is valid. That would mean 100 people for a behavioral study, or 10 -20 other items such as plants, mice, etc. In addition, the experiment needs to be controlled and in some cases replicated . The purpose of the replication process is to show that your results were not just a fluke. You can start the second round of experiments shortly after you start the first.
ï10 points for the completed worksheet
December 17- Final copy of Rough Draft I
      This is your corrected 3-5 pages of the previous rough draft.
ï30 points- see sections from the final rubric in this packet for expectations
January 6- Experiment needs to be up and running at this point.
       Take pictures as proof of experimentation, other types of proof may be acceptable but unlikely... you will need to check with me for permission. You will be able to use the pictures later for the exhibition, so this is not a waste of your time. Do not leave anything to chance, leave no questions for me to ask.
ï10 points for appropriate pictures
January 28- Check in date #1
         On this check in date you must have not only new pictures of your experiment, but also current data from your experiment. The data charts must be clearly labeled, and if you need to make a copy of the data, use the copy machine in the library.
ï20 points, 10 for the proof, and 10 for the data.
         ïI recommend turning in the previous pictures so that a clear progression of            the experiment can be seen.
February 19- Check in date #2
      On this check in date you will need even more proof of experimentation, and clearly labeled charts with all of the data that you have collected to this point. In addition to these items, you need to have completed the materials and procedures sections. Please make sure that they are typed. The materials section needs to list every little thing that you used to perform the experiment. The procedures section needs to have the steps you took to perform the experiment. I suggest that you spell out the steps as if you were developing a recipe... easy to read and follow.
ï30 points- 10 for proof, 10 for data, 10 for materials, and 10 for procedures. See final rubric attached for materials and procedures sections.
       ïI recommend turning in the previous pictures so that a clear progression of the          experiment can be seen.
March 11- Experiment must be completed
        FYI there may be some leeway here, but permission must be granted BEFORE this due date!!!

 
March 21- Rough draft II
      The third piece to the puzzle is due. You have already completed the introductory and research sections, as well as the materials and procedures sections. For this rough draft you are expected to put together a rough sketch of the data charts, graphs, analysis and conclusions sections.
       For the graphs you must construct appropriate representations of your data which can easily be read and from which the results of the experiment can be interpreted. This should include two things: a typed data chart AND a minimum of one typed graph of your data.
      The analysis of the data must explain what happened, why, and clearly discuss whether or not you proved or discredited your hypothesis. If anything went wrong in the experiment it should be discussed at this point. Also be sure to connect what happened in some way to your background research information.
       The conclusion needs to be a summary of what you have done throughout this experience, what went well ,what didnít, and what you have accomplished.
ïRough draft II should be 3-5 pages in length
ï40 points, 10 for appropriate graphs, 15 for proper analysis, and 15 for coherent conclusions.
April 11- Peer edit / Parent edit
        Your entire paper, including a title page and works cited page, in proper format, will be graded using the rubric. You will have a peer grade it in class this day, and then that night a parent will grade it also using the rubric.
ï20 points, 10 for the peer edit, and 10 for the parent edit.
April 19- Final paper due
      This is it!!! The final paper from beginning to end is due. From the title page to the works cited page, the paper should be approximately 8-12 pages. All of the pieces from above need to be resubmitted along with the final paper, so please please do not throw anything away.
**100 points for the final paper and all the pieces.
     A note to you!!

        Some things you may not think of that may be of help to you are simple... watch out for the price and cost of things, 10 mice and all accompanying materials are expensive. Also, your parents have the final say on your experiment, if they do not want mice in the house, then no mice. Keep in mind sample sizes, length of experiment and other fun things. I have many books and items to help in the finding of items. I also suggest using things on a small scale, such as plants, bacteria, red flour beetles, fast plants, Drosophila, and many other small things.
       As the above due dates approach you will receive more information about what is expected. You are expected to hand in the final project typed. If you do not have access to a computer at home or have limited computer experience, make sure to schedule time after school to get some help. Seeing as all due dates are stated ahead of time, no late work will be accepted on this assignment, so be sure to stay ahead of the game when it comes to this project!
**Just as a reminder, you must have a variety of things in order to pass this project, these include substantial undeniable proof of experimentation, and photocopies of all sources. See me if you need help in any of these areas.
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