Major Concepts/Content: The research project course is designed to develop students' abilities to plan, conduct and present a firsthand, original investigation of an original research hypothesis, using appropriate research design. The course emphasizes the development of skills including cognitive, learning-to-learn, problem-solving, decision-making, inquiry, synthesis, analysis, and communication skills. The focus of the investigation/research is original, using real problems and discovery of new or original information. Students may be involved in assigned or prototype project(s) prior to embarking on the original investigation/research projects. An emphasis of the original investigation/research is to bring about some form of change or to contribute something new. Students use the modes of investigation and research procedures used by a practicing professional. The outcome of the investigation/research project is a product, such as a written report and/or construction that is done in a professional manner and is presented to an audience.

Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities will be provided through direct instruction pertaining to cognitive skills [creativity, creative problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, logic], learning-how-to- learn skills, advanced research and reference skills, and written/oral/visual communication skills, prior to and during investigation/research projects. Students will use all school and community sources for advice, consultation, information, materials and equipment when conducting an original investigation. Specific activities include problem finding and focusing, developing of a management plan, identifying a hypothesis and research questions, gathering historical and back-ground information, developing a research design, identifying human and material resources for use in gathering data, identifying and developing data-gathering instruments and techniques, developing data-recording and coding techniques, gathering raw data, classifying and tabulating data, preparing descriptive statistical summaries, analyzing data, pre-paring tables/graphs/diagrams, selecting and developing a product to share research results, and sharing the research product with an appropriate audience. 

Major Evaluative Techniques: Students' oral, written and constructed products will be examined to ascertain growth of decision-making, creativity, problem solving, and critical-thinking skills. The utilization of appropriate investigative and research methodologies will be evaluated by examining student products to determine the degree to which the purpose (theme, thesis, and research questions) is apparent. A specific problem is clearly defined. Advanced, technical, and complex resource materials or equipment are utilized. Appropriate reference material, resource persons and/or equipment is used for the project. The product reflects a logical sequence of steps and events. The goal and the result of the investigation/research were other than reporting on or reproducing existing information, ideas or knowledge. Products will also be assessed for originality, achievement of stated objectives, care and attention to detail, commitment of time, effort and energy, and advance familiarity with the subject matter.

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the research project course, students should be able to:

• Utilize problem identification and focusing skills.
• Develop hypothesis and research questions.
• Structure research designs.
• Use appropriate research techniques to gather and organize data and information from primary and secondary sources.
• Complete statistical descriptions and analysis.
• Prepare a product to present research results to an audience.
• Develop cognitive, how-to-learn, research/reference, and communication skills.

Last Revised: July 18, 2005