Course Instructors:
David "Bermi" Bermudez and Dan Martin
Scientific Research Course Description:
In this course, students have the opportunity to use the Bend Science Station lab to put the scientific method to the test. The goal for this class is for students to develop their own research question and attempt to answer it. Due to the independent nature of this course, the class is only open to middle and high school students and class size is capped at six. Students who participate in this program will have the opportunity to discuss their findings with knowledgeable experts in their field and participate in a regional science fair and/or the Intel Northwest Science Exposition which is scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2008.
While simple in concept, scientific research requires a large commitment of time and energy. To successfully complete a project over the course of five months, participants in this class need to be self motivated and willing to work both in and out of class designing, constructing, analyzing and reporting their findings.
Course Syllabus:
| September 25, 20073:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Introduction to lab & research |
| October 2, 20073:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Brainstorm possible research projects |
| October 9, 20073:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Establishing research question and ISEF registration |
| October 16, 20073:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Begin proposal & internet research |
| October 23, 20073:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Write and format reference section |
| October 30, 20073:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Complete research proposal and begin data tables |
| November 6, 20073:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Complete data tables and assemble materials |
| November 13, 20073:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Test experimental setup |
| November 20, 2007 | NO CLASS -- Thanksgiving Break |
| November 27, 20073:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Begin research project |
| December 4, 20073:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Continue research project |
| December 11, 20073:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Continue research project |
| December 18, 20073:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Continue research project |
| December 25, 2007 | NO CLASS -- Winter Break |
| January 1, 2008 | NO CLASS -- Winter Break |
| January 8, 20083:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Continue research project |
| January 12, 20081:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Continue research project (optional) |
| January 15, 20083:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Continue research project |
| January 19, 20081:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Continue research project (optional) |
| January 22, 20083:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Begin data analysis and graphing |
| January 26, 20081:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Complete data analysis and graphing (optional) |
| January 29, 20083:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Edit abstract and procedure |
| February 5, 20083:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Edit abstract and procedure |
| February 12, 20083:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Begin work on introduction |
| February 19, 20083:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Edit introduction and begin conclusion |
| February 26, 20083:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Edit conclusion and finishing touches on everything else |
| February 27, 2008ALL DAY | Tech Challenge Science Expo (Highschool Regional Fair) -- Klamath Falls |
| March 1, 20089:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Edit and layout research boards (long day!) |
| March 4, 20083:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Mock EXPO |
| March 11, 20083:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Final edits to board |
| March 13, 20083:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Drive to PDX and setup at EXPO |
| March 14, 2008ALL DAY | Northwest Science Exposition (Portland) |
Course Cost:
$780.00While this cost covers all instructional costs and registration fees for events, it DOES NOT cover the cost of transportation, food and lodging associated with this years Northwest Science Exposition.