The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Conducting and Documenting Independent STEM Research

Conducting and Documenting Independent STEM Research

A High School STEM lesson

Brianne Loya

6/14/2024

Notes for teachers

This is the fourth lesson in a series of four designed to guide students through the process of designing, implementing, and documenting their own independent STEM research projects. This lesson focuses on the process and resources for conducting and documenting findings.

List of Materials

• Copies of Student Handouts
• Mystery Investigation Envelopes as described in Teacher Notes.
• Computers or tablets with internet access
• Access to library databases and Google Scholar
• Printer or the ability to save documents as PDFs

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Standards

(Science)

HS-ETS1-3: Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

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Standards

(ELA)

Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects 6-12: Evaluate the hypotheses, data, analysis, and conclusions in a science or technical text, verifying the data when possible and corroborating or challenging conclusions with other sources of information.

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Objectives:

• Students will learn how to locate credible sources for their research projects.

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• Students will practice summarizing and presenting information from their sources.

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• Students will document their research findings effectively.

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Agenda (120 minutes)

Engage (35 minutes): Mystery Science Investigations

Explore (15 minutes): Mystery Science Investigation Share-Out

Explain (20 minutes): Mission Library Introduction Class Discussion

Elaborate (40 minutes): Students work independently to complete Mission Library Assignment.

Evaluate (10 minutes): Final Reflection and Class Discussion

Engage: Mystery Science Investigation

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Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of scientific research and proper documentation in STEM fields. Highlight how scientists use systematic approaches to solve problems and record their findings for validation and replication.

Divide students into small groups (3-4 students each). Explain that each group will receive a "Mystery Investigation" envelope containing a unique scientific problem or mystery to solve. Hand out the envelopes to each group.See Teacher Notes

Explore: Mystery Science Investigation

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Allow groups to investigate their mystery using the clues provided. Encourage them to:

• Discuss the problem and hypothesize potential explanations.
• Use any available lab materials to test their hypotheses.
• Record observations, data, and conclusions in their research log worksheet.
• Emphasize thorough documentation of each step in their investigation.

After the investigation phase, have each group present their findings to another small group. Encourage them to explain their problem-solving process, data analysis, and conclusions.

Explain: Mission Library Introduction Discussion

Class Discussion

During this portion of the lesson the teacher should lead a class discussion to introduce the Mission Library assignment and elicit current student understanding about the topic. The Teacher Notes provides some possible questions to help facilitate the class discussion. These questions aim to encourage students to think critically about the research process and the various tools and resources they will use during the assignment. You can also come back to or save some of these questions for after the Mission LIbrary Assignment.

Elaborate: Mission Library

Students work independently to complete any 4 missions from the "Mission Library" handout using their Mystery Investigation research questions. They will search for articles, evaluate their credibility, document their findings, and prepare summaries.

Evaluate: Reflection and Class Discussion

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Students will complete the final reflection questions ab the end of the handout and then teacher will facilitate a discussion to help students summarize what they learned. You can use some of the questions from the Teacher Notes.

Differentiation

• Provide additional support and examples for students who struggle with finding and documenting sources.

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• Pair students with stronger research skills with those needing extra support.

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Extension/Enrichment

• Encourage advanced students to find and evaluate additional sources on their own.

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• Have students create a detailed research report and presentation for a school science fair.

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