Chemistry Giants for  Chemistry Class

 

 

Research Scenario

A new interactive museum of science with a special wing devoted to the “giants” of chemistry is opening. The giants are scientists in chemistry who made a significant impact and contribution to science.  You and your fellow classmates will be creating the various displays to impart your knowledge of your scientist and their contributions to chemistry.

What is the significance of the scientist and his/her work to the science of chemistry?

Task and Product

 

You will be independently researching a scientist who made a significant contribution to chemistry.  Projects need to include the following information as detailed on the appropriate rubric: 

*      Date and place of birth

*      Early influences (people or events that influenced the scientist)

*      Education

*      Major accomplishments (include dates) and significance (why is the scientist’s work important to the science of chemistry)

*      Contemporaries (others who were working at the same time who influenced or were influenced by the scientist-may be other scientists, politicians, etc.)

*      Date and place of death (if not living)

*      Bibliography

Only one student (or pair) in each class may research a particular scientist.  You must use at least three references (only two can be from the internet).  Be sure to document all of your sources. You will use the information from your research to create a product/presentation to inform.

Product Options: You may choose among the following projects: 

*       2 page typed written report

*        Poster

*        CD insert plus at least one song

*       historical presentation (skit)

*        children’s book

*       web site

*       detailed timeline

If there is a project format not listed here that you would like to do, check with your teacher for approval.  Scoring rubrics are listed below.  If you choose the historical presentation or children’s book, you may work with one other student in your class.  Otherwise you will be working alone. 

Assessments

The following scoring tools will be used by your teacher to evaluate your research process and your final product and presentation.  .  The project is worth 100 assessment points and 25 class work points (for the presentation).

Research Process Assessments:

Final Product Assessments: 

·         2 page typed written report

·          Poster

·          CD insert plus at least one song

·         historical presentation (skit)

·          children’s book

·         web site

·         detailed timeline

You may email the completed project to dglassman@bcps.org

Questions

 

Essential Question:

What is the significance of the scientist and his/her work to the science of chemistry?

Subsidiary Questions:

*      Date and place of birth

*      Early influences (people or events that influenced the scientist)

*      Education

*      Major accomplishments (include dates) and significance (why is the scientist’s work important to the science of chemistry)

*      Contemporaries (others who were working at the same time who influenced or were influenced by the scientist-may be other scientists, politicians, etc.)

*      Date and place of death (if not living)

Gather and Sort

 

Use a variety of resources for gathering information. You must use at least three references (only two can be from the internet). Sort your research findings.

Be sure to avoid plagiarism and remember to cite your references. Check a research guide for details about the proper citation of sources. For MLA guidelines and examples, click here.  Be sure to document all of your sources.

Organize

 

Analyze your research notes to determine if you have sufficient information to answer the subsidiary questions and the essential question.

Synthesize your findings by creating a first draft of your research product/presentation.

Evaluate your finished product for quality and completeness.

Conclusion

 

Presentation:

Present your product. You will need to take notes on the other students projects for which you did not do research.

You may email the completed project to dglassman@bcps.org


Reflection:

After reviewing the presentations, you will have a reflection. Be sure to support your answer with notes from the class presentations.

Consult the scoring tool for your response.

Created by Lisa Allen –Library Media Specialist and Debra Glassman – Chemistry Teacher

Carver Center for Arts & Technology, Towson, MD

November 17, 2006 (rev December 3, 2007)