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BIOL 102: Introductory Biology Investigations 101
Content: As a scientist, we use the scientific method to meticulously answer questions of interest. In this course, you will have the ability to think of your own research question (and/or select a question from the suggested list) and design an experimental plan on how you would answer the question. Topics including background information, controls, and assessment will be included in this project.
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Write My Essay For MeDue Date and Submission: Students will complete this assignment and submit an electronic copy by 11:59 pm on 02/20/19. No paper or email submissions will be accepted; this assignment MUST be submitted via Blackboard. The assignment may be submitted early, but NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. If a student needs clarification, please email the instructor as soon as possible. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL IT IS DUE
TO ASK QUESTIONS!
Grading: This assignment will be graded out of 100 points. For a breakdown of points, refer to the second page.
Paper Format: There is no minimum number of pages regarding the body, however, the project must have three clearly outlined sections: Overview of Topic, Experimental Design, and Significance of Research. Use double space, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, and 1-inch margins on all sides of the pages.
Please include a title page, which should include the specific research question that you choose along with your name and section number.
Failure to comply with format guidelines will result in point deductions.
Guidelines:
Be sure to include a section describing each of the following:
1) Title Page
a. Include the title of the research question along with your name, class and section number
2) Overview of Topic
a. Background
i. What is the background of the topics included in this research question? What is already known about this subject?
1. For example, if your question was does eating 5 vegetables a day makes you 10 pounds smaller, tell me about vegetables, weight loss, and how what is known about their connection.
b. Hypothesis
i. Create a measurable if___ then___ statement that describes what you are trying to test.
ii. Use notes from class to correctly create a testable hypothesis
3) Experimental Design
a. Materials
i. What are all of the materials needed to test this particular question/conduct this experiment? This includes participants, supplies, etc.
ii. Include these in a listed format and make sure to include the specific name and number of each item
b. Methods
i. Think about what you will actually do to test this hypothesis/conduct this experiment? Indicate what type of test/assessment will be done to measure your results? What will you be observing?
ii. This should be in a paragraph format, not a listed format
4) Significance of Research
a. What is the importance of answering this research question? What are the long lasting effects of understanding this particular question?
b. Why is it critical that the scientific method is used to be able to answer this question?
Grading Breakdown:
| Max pts | Category | To earn the maximum points |
| 10 pts | Format | Title Page1-in marginsDouble-spaced12 pt Times New Roman fontLabeling of three sections: Overview of Topic, Experimental Design, and significance of Research |
| 20 pts | Overview of Topic: Background | Provide thorough and complete background of all topics covered Describe what is already known about this research question |
| 10 pts | Overview of Topic: Hypothesis | Includes a testable “If___ then___ “ hypothesis |
| 20 pts | Experimental Design: Materials | Lists all materials and resources needed to test hypothesis Includes specific quantities and names |
| 20 pts | Experimental Design: Methods | Clearly and detailed description of strategies used to test hypothesis. Includes step-by-step instructions on how to complete assessment |
| 10 pts | Significance of Research | In-depth discussion of the importance of this particular research topicDescription of why the scientific method is critical in answering this research question |
| 10 pts | Originality, Creativity, Effort | Minimum direct quotesMinimum spelling errorsMinimum grammatical errorsIn-depth responses |
Other helpful hints:
· Remember to paraphrase when possible and avoid direct quotations or else there will be penalties. o Be sure to provide in-text citations for information that is not common knowledge or information that was obtained from a source even when paraphrased.
· Explain each of the above points in DETAIL! Write more not less.
· Be creative!
· Think about how you actually would complete this experiment. Write this as if you had to perform this task.
· Reread your paper paying close attention to spelling and grammar.
· Seek assistance if you require it.
· Do not wait until the day before it is due to begin this assignment.
Grading Rubric:
| Criteria | Excellent | Above Average | Average | Below Average |
| Format | Followed all format guidelines8-10 pts | Missing 1 formatting guideline5-8 pts | Missing 2 formatting guidelines3-5 pts | Missing 3 formatting guidelines0-3 pts |
| Overview of Topic:Background | Provided thorough background of allaspects of researchquestion and discussed prior knowledge15-20 pts | Adequately provided background of some/all aspects of researchquestion and discussed prior knowledge10-15 pts | Inadequately provided background of some aspects of researchquestion and/or briefly discussed prior knowledge5-10 pts | Poor background of some aspects ofresearch question and no discussion ofprior knowledge0-5 pts |
| Overview of Topic:Hypothesis | Provides testable“If__ then__” statement 8-10 pts | Provides non-testable“If____then____” statement5-8 pts | Provides non-testable hypothesis in non-“If__then___” statement3-5pts | Missing hypothesis 0-3 pts |
| Experimental Design:Materials | Completely listed all materials, includingspecific names and quantities15-20 pts | Incompletely listed all materials, includingspecific names and quantities10-15 pts | Incompletely listed all materials, withoutincluding specificnames and quantities5-10 pts | Missing or poorly described list of materials0-5 pts |
| Experimental Design:Methods | Completely describes all methods, including stepby-step instructions15-20 pts | Adequately describes all methods, not alwaysincluding step-by-step instructions10-15 pts | Incompletely describes all methods, notincluding step-by-step instructions5-10 pts | Missing or poorly described methods0-5 pts |
| Significance of Research | Thorough explanation of the importance of thistopic and the purpose ofthe scientific method8-10 pts | Adequate explanation of the importance of thistopic and the purpose ofthe scientific method5-8 pts | Weak explanation of the importance of thistopic and/or the purposeof the scientific method3-5pts | No explanation of the importance of thetopic or the purpose of the scientific method0-3 pts |
| Effort | In depth responses, minimum errors, andminimum to no directquotes8-10 pts | Adequate responses, some errors andminimum use of directquotes5-8 pts | Weak responses, excessive use of directquotes and/or errorsreduce readability3-5 pts | Poor effort shown in the depth ofresponses and/oroverall project0-3 pts |
