Monday, October 05, 2015

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SCIENCE PROJECT OPTIONS

The following letter is being distributed in class on Monday (Bday) and Tuesday (A day). A copy must be returned no later than Thursday, October 8.


Dear Students and Parents,
All students at Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School are expected to complete a science project. This year students in the eighth grade may choose from several options for their project. Each option has guidelines for completion. Student projects will be graded according to appropriate criteria for the option chosen. By choosing an option, a student is committing to completing that style of project. Parents must approve the option chosen by their child. It is each student’s responsibility to choose an option, obtain parental permission to complete the option, and complete the project according to established rules and/or policies.
The options possible include
o   A project that is completed in class. Students may use Gizmo simulations for this project or may conduct an approved experiment in the classroom. A student who completes an in-class project is not eligible to enter the school science fair. Students are expected to present their projects in class. Students will still be responsible for all parts of a traditional science project including forms, research, and data collection.
Students who are highly motivated and wish to complete an independent project outside of the classroom may choose one of the options to do so and can receive ongoing mentorship from JLCP science teachers after school .
o   An individual science project that follows the traditional format. Each student will complete all forms required for the project. All rules for Intel –ISEF, SSEF, and NEFRSEF will be followed. Projects in this option are eligible to seek entry into the school science fair. Participants of the school science fair are eligible to be selected to advance on to the DCPS science fair and/or NEFRSEF. Winners at NEFRSEF may be selected to attend the Florida Science Fair. Rules and information about forms and dates can be found at http://www.nefrsef.org/ . Teacher assistance will be available in class and students who choose this option are eligible to meet with interested and available science teachers for after school coaching on Thursday afternoons. 
o   The Verizon Innovative App Challenge. In this option, students work on a team of 5-7 students.The team must have an adult advisor who works at JLCP. Full information can be found at http://appchallenge.tsaweb.org/participants. Students are expected to present their projects in class. Teacher assistance will be available in class and students who choose this option are eligible to meet with interested and available science teachers for after school coaching on Thursday afternoons. 
o   Toshiba ExploraVision. In this option, students work on a team of 2-4 students. The team is sponsored by a teacher from JLCP. Full information can be found at http://www.exploravision.org/ .Students are expected to present their projects in class. Teacher assistance will be available in class and students who choose this option are eligible to meet with interested and available science teachers for after school coaching on Thursday afternoons. 
o   E-cybermission. In this option, student teams choose to complete a mission in one of seven categories by first identifying a problem in the community and then using the scientific method to develop a solution. Full information can be found at https://www.ecybermission.com/. Students are expected to present their projects in class. Teacher assistance will be available in class and students who choose this option are eligible to meet with interested and available science teachers for after school coaching on Thursday afternoons. 



Please complete the following and submit it to your teacher.

□  I decline the offer to complete an independent project outside of class.  I choose to participate in the in-class projects instead.  I understand that because these are group projects, I will be not be invited to compete at a science fair.  (Note: Group projects are permitted in high school.)

□  I would like to complete an independent science project outside of the classroom.  I understand that by completing an independent project, I may be invited to compete at a science fair.  I understand that I may receive after-school mentorship to assist me with my independent project.

For students who are interested in completing an independent science project outside of the classroom, please indicate which option you are selecting.

[  ]        An individual science project that follows the traditional format. Rules and information about forms and dates can be found at http://www.nefrsef.org/ .
[  ]        The Verizon Innovative App Challenge. Full information can be found at http://appchallenge.tsaweb.org/participants.
[   ]       Toshiba ExploraVision. Full information can be found at http://www.exploravision.org/ .
[   ]       E-cybermission. Full information can be found at https://www.ecybermission.com/.
An informational meeting to answer questions and begin selecting a focus for the research process selected will be held on Thursday October 8th from 3:10-4pm. Please arrange transportation.   Parents are welcome to attend.   Please return this form no later than Thursday, October 8, 2015.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Pamela L. Smith, NBCT    and  Daniel Geary
Advanced Comprehensive Science 3 Teachers

**REQUIRED** The section below must be completed and will be kept on file for each student. Parents, by signing you are agreeing to the option that your child has chosen.

Student Name_______________________________________________

Student Signature _________________________________________

Parent Name _____________________________________________

Parent Signature _________________________________________

Parent Contact Number ____________________________________

Parent e-mail ________________________________________


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