Laura's+Research

Student Need: Students have increasingly developed an attitute Students need to improve their inquiry skills including: knowledge of scientific method, compose clear hypothesis and conclusions, analyze experiments for error and ask questions for future research.

Research Question: Will the use of the relevant, interesting resource Mythbusters increase students' inquiry skills including: understanding, application and analysis of the scientific method?

Literature Review: None

Intervention Plan: In class, we will watch episodes of Mythbusters and analyze their experiments and methods using Mythbusters Method papers that I created for this purpose.

The first measurement will be of students' ability to compose clear hypothesis and conclusions as evidenced by a Lab from the beginning of the year and our most recent MBM papers. Secondly, student engagement will be measured by ratio of MBM assignments handed in as compared with other assignment ratios. Thirdly, student will rate their percieved gains and interest on a nameless survey adminstered during class.
 * Evaluation Measurements:**


 * Results:**


 * Year Two: 2009-2010**

Student comprehension and skill level of scientific inquiry concepts very low Laboratory investigations great for building this deficiency; however, materials and concept can often limit the ability for teachers to provide quality opportunities Engaging, relevant activity for skill building greatly needed to supplement laboratory activities Will watching Mythbusters episodes while identifying and communicating the steps of the scientific method develop scientific inquiry skills and efficacy in my students?
 * Student Need:**
 * Research Question:**

Literature Review: (What literature/articles/books have you looked at to support your question and to help guide you in your intervention?) Bardeen, K. (2000). Improving student science literacy through an inquiry-based, integrated science curriculum and review of science media. Saint Xavier University and SkyLight Field-Based Master's Program)., Report: ED451041. 81p. (Level 1 - Available online, if indexed January 1993 onward) Blankenship, M. (2010). Plugged in or tuned out? students and educators reflect on current technology in the classroom. Education Digest: Essential Readings Condensed for Quick Review, 75(5), 61-64. Burkley, E., & Burkley, M. (2009). "Mythbusters": A tool for teaching research methods in psychology. Teaching of Psychology, 36(3), 179-184. D'Arcy, C. J., Eastburn, D. M., & Bruce, B. C. (2009). How media ecologies can address diverse student needs. College Teaching, 57(1), 56-63. Freudenrich, C. C. (2000). Sci-fi science. Science Teacher, 67(8), 42-45. Weinstein, P. B. (2001). Movies as the gateway to history: The history and film project. History Teacher, 35(1), 27-48.

Select Mythbusters episode Students write a Hypothesis based on myth Students select one of the following to record during episode: procedure, error, questions for future research. Students share findings with group after viewing Groups share findings out to class Students compose a conclusion which restates their hypothesis
 * __Intervention Plan__**:

Inquiry skills test (pre and post) Student engagement tracking Student efficacy survey (pre and post)
 * __Evaluation Measurements__**:

Inquiry skills: 19% gain in all areas, n=92 Engagement: paralleled lab engagement Efficacy: gains in all skills
 * __Results__**:


 * Year Three: 2010-2011**

Take responsibility for grades and success in school.
 * Student Need:**

Will mastery learning and a school wide student support system positively impact student motivation, achievement and perception of abilities?
 * Research Question:**

__**Literature Review**__: (What literature/articles/books have you looked at to support your question and to help guide you in your intervention?)

Weekly grade checks Allow retakes and re-dos on assignments and assessments. Providing time for students to get help and fix grade in low classes Provide free-time as motivation for students to achieve a's and b's.
 * __Intervention Plan__**:

My 4th hour grade comparison 8th grade student survey before and after 8 weeks of intervention Student interviews
 * __Evaluation Measurements__**:


 * __Results__**: