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Cranston High School West Library: Hevey - Biology Research Assignment

End of Semester Choice Project

Overview: For the end of the semester, students will choose one of the following science topics to explore in depth:

  • Characteristics of Life
  • Macromolecules
  • Cells
  • DNA
  • Genetics
  • Ecology
  • Symbiosis
  • Evolution
  • Climate Change
  • Properties of Water

They will present their findings in a creative format (written report, poster, video, powerpoint, performance, or model) and share their project with the class.

 

Step 2: Plan Your Project

1. Research

  • Students should begin by researching their chosen topic. Use books, websites, videos, and classroom materials to gather information.
  • Write down key points and facts they want to include in their project.

2. Decide on the Presentation Format
Choose one of the following options for presenting the project:

  • Written Report: A short essay explaining the topic in detail.
  • Poster or Visual Aid: A creative, informative poster with pictures and labels.
  • Model or Diorama: Build a physical model or diorama to demonstrate the topic.
  • Video Presentation: A short video explaining the topic (students can record themselves or make an animation).

 

Step 3: Present Your Project- Presentations will take place on January 16th and 17th

Each student will present their project to the class, explaining their topic and what they learned. Presentations should include:

  • A brief introduction to the topic.
  • Key facts and important concepts.
  • A description of how they created their project.
  • A conclusion about what they learned and how it connects to other areas of science.

 

Assessment Criteria

The project will be graded based on the following:

  • Understanding of the Topic (40%): Does the student explain the topic clearly and accurately? Have they included key information?
  • Creativity and Effort (30%): Did the student put thought and effort into their project? Is the presentation creative and engaging?
  • Presentation Skills (20%): Did the student clearly explain their project to the class? Did they engage their audience?
  • Organization and Neatness (10%): Is the project well-organized and visually appealing? Did the student follow the format correctly?

Reflection
**After the presentation students should be prepared to answer the following questions!

  • What did you enjoy most about learning this topic?
  • Was there anything that surprised you during your research?
  • How do you think this knowledge connects to the world around us?

 

My Bib

MyBib Instructions

Directions for creating a Works Cited page in MyBib

  1. Create or log into your account
  2. Start New Project
  3. Name the Project
  4. Add Citations (+Citations)
  • Website
  • Copy and paste URL
  • Click on website result
  • Try to find missing or incorrect information in website article
  • Click “Save”
  • Book with one Author
  • Click Book Tab
  • Type in ISBN number
  • Click on correct title
  • Click “Save”
  • Chapter in a Book
  • Find under “More”
  • Choose “Book Chapter”
  • Fill in information
  • Click "Save"
  • Database/E-Book articles
  • Copy formatted citation from database
  • Find under “More”
  • Choose Write/paste
  • Paste
  • Click “Save”
  1. When you are finished adding all citations 
  2. “Download Bibliography”
  3. Download to Google Drive
  4. Copy and paste the Works Cited page into your paper

World Book Online

No login needed from school.

Off campus? Click here and scroll down for World Book.

Gale Science in Context

No login needed from school.

Off campus? Email sevje@cpsed.net for password.

Exploring Nature (Educator Resources)

Email sevje@cpsed.net for login.