Exploration #2: Seti Move Over!

 

APPLICATION #1

MEASURING LIFE

Ask the class to choose a living organism and design experiments around that organism to measure various parameters, indicating the organism is alive. Small groups can collaborate, and incorporate different variables into the design of their experiments. This way, data can be contrasted and compared and their analyses will be more interesting.

 ASSESSMENT

Use the Lab Rubric as a guideline when designing and grading the experiments.

Lab Rubric

Scores/Criteria
Statement of Problem
Hypothesis or Research Question
Procedure
Visuals of Data and Results
Conclusions
1

No problem stated

None present

No procedure tries things out systematically

None

No reference to patterns and data

Clings to original idea despite contradictory evidence

2

Problem is too general or not clearly stated

No relationship stated to human health or community

Present, but not aligned with problem statement

Outlines a general procedure, but no details

Doesn't manipulate all variables clearly

Attempts to transform data in a table, chart or graph

Lacks labels and clarity

Refers to some but not all patterns and data

3

Problem is too focused and states significance

Relationship stated to either human health or community

Aligns with problem

If hypothesis, no cause and effect

Outlines a detailed procedure

Clearly states the dependent or independent variables

Tranforms data into tables, charts, or graphs

Labels clearly
Attempts to state results

Clearly states reference to patterns and data to support conclusions

4

PLUS-
Relationship stated to both human health or community

PLUS-
If hypothesis, states cause and effect

PLUS-
Clearly states results

Shows replicates
Control is identified

PLUS-
Clearly states results

Abstract and other related artifacts displayed

PLUS-
Explains weaknesses in experiment

Able to make recommendations for further study


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