Biodiversity Project Information

Arkansas Biodiversity Projects

The Biology Curriculum Framework CDL.7.B.5 states that students shall demonstrate an understanding that organisms are diverse by investigating Arkansas´ biodiversity using appropriate tools and technology. Students will master this framework by completing projects pertaining to the flora and fauna of Arkansas. Biodiversity projects will be required for both the 2^nd and 3^rd grading periods of the school year. A biodiversity grade of 100 points is possible for each grading period.

The effective use of cooperative skills is becoming increasingly necessary to cope successful in today´s team-orientated workplaces. Cooperative leaning promotes a highly structured team situation with individual accountability. Working within a group allows students to pool their contributions for the implementation and results of a project.

Collaboration is important in science. Scientists usually collaborate on research enterprises. Groups of researchers often contribute to collection of data, the analysis of findings and the resulting publication. In a scientific collaborative group each member contributes his or her talents to the activity of the group.

Project Steps

The first step is to write a clear description of what the project is about. The project should be do-able and provide experiences that contribute to the scientific growth of the individuals completing the project. Secondly, state what procedures will be followed in the course of working on the project. This includes an indication of how the topic will be researched. Next, a decision must be made about how to communicate the outcome of the project. Also, a timeline needs to be created. Typically, the time required to complete a project will be about four or five weeks. A written record (individual and group log sheets) of work on the project must be kept. Additionally a record of the data obtained, and a statement of the results should be made. Individual and group thoughts and ideas about the project should also be recorded.

Communicating the outcome of the project

Traditional methods for presenting scientific projects include; written reports, posters, or PowerPoint presentations, but these Biodiversity projects must be in PowerPoint form only.

PowerPoint is the most popular multimedia presentation program in use today. It is so widely used that everyone will almost inevitably encounter it. PowerPoint is the perfect tool to create visually stimulating presentations. Using the templates, professional-looking slide shows can be created in a minimum of time. The key to success in making a presentation is the ability to catch and hold the attention of your audience while explaining information in a way that can be quickly and easily understood.

General PowerPoint tips include; including only one idea per slide, making the text concise, using strong headings to grab attention, and establishing a format and using it. State the objectives and areas you want to cover and summarize content point by point. Don´t mix fonts; use no more than two typefaces in a presentation. Refrain from using too many colors. Be sure, the graphics you choose enhance your presentation. Make sure the slides say what you want them to say and that the audience will be able to see them.

PowerPoint presentations must contain the same elements as other types of scientific presentations. You must give details about where and how you obtained your background information. All sources must be included in your reference list. The purpose is to effectively inform the reader about the topic. The reader should be introduced to the key concepts of the subject and from the many references and be able to personally confirm and investigate the topic if desired. Hyperlinks should be present throughout the PowerPoint presentation. Your completed PowerPoint presentation must be uploaded to http://science.hillcresthighschool.info. The upload form is under the Biology menu, under the Biodiversity submenu.

Grading of Arkansas Biodiversity Projects

Arkansas Biodiversity Projects can be completed by an individual or by a cooperative group of up to four students. Students must have prior instructor approval before they start workin on a project. Before approval will be granted a Group Contract, Working Outline, and Project Task List must be submitted.

The Group Contract must include a clear statement describing the topic of the project. In addition, it will include a listing of the procedures that will be followed in the course of working on the project. How the topic will be researched will also be indicated.

The working outline will list in sequence items that will be included in the final product. The Project Task List will include a listing of individual projects responsibilities.

Arkansas Biodiversity Projects count as 100 point grade (same as test) during both the 2^nd and 3^rd grading periods (nine weeks). The number of points received for the group project is determined according to the following criteria; (1) thoroughness and completeness of project including product communication (2) documentation of student involvement and contributions to the project, and (3) demonstration that individual contractual responsibilities were fulfilled.