Ludlow High School Library

Introduction  Task  Process  Evaluation  Conclusion

Introduction

Scientific questions lie at the heart of many of today's controversial issues. Society stands to benefit from many different paths of scientific research and exploration, but such research can be prohibitively expensive. The United States is in the midst of an economic crisis that makes spending government funds on research seem reckless. However, scientific research and development can also help create jobs, grow the economy and contribute to economic recovery.

But what type of research and development is most worthy of funding?

Task

You and your lab partner will take on the role of scientists working in a specific field of research. As representatives of your field you will become advocates for a huge research and development grant from funds from the American Reinvestment & Recovery Act. You will investigate the benefits of your area of research and complete an application for government stimulus funding that will be reviewed by Congress and the President. Your job is to convince our elected leaders that funding research in your field will not only benefit society, but also create jobs and help push the United States down the road to economic recovery.

Process

1. Select one of the five scientific issues below and confirm your choice with Mrs. Piela.

2. Beginning with the resources listed, research your field to discover how society might benefit from new discoveries or signigicant progress.

• Remember to look for ideas about how your field might contribute positively to economic growth in the US.
• Find compelling facts that will catch people's attention.
• What professions or fields of work might add new jobs to support research in your area?
• How will advances in your field benefit society?
• Why is your project more important than others?

3. Brainstorm your ideas with your partner before beginning the application.

4. Complete your application online

• Print three copies of your form BEFORE you click "submit". Each lab partner will keep one copy, turn the third copy in to Mrs. Piela.

Issues

• Climate Change
  Resources:
  • The Petition: A Global Warming Case Study - University of Buffalo
  • Climate Change - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • What's up with the Weather? - Nova


• Alternative Energy
  Resources:
  
  • Alternative Energy Technology - Scientific American
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory
  • Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy


• Drug-Resistant Bacteria
  Resources:
  
  • How Bacteria Become Resistant
  • Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics
  • CSPI Antibiotic-Resistance Project
  • The Evolving Enemy


• Manned Space Exploration
  Resources:
  
  • NASA - Exploration Systems Mission Directorate
  • Space.com - The Future of Flight
  • National Space Society - Space Settlement


• Nanotechnology
  Resources:
  
  • Science Daily - Nanotechnology
  • Nanoscience - National Science Foundation
  • National Nanotechnology Initiative

Evaluation

Your applications will be reviewed with the following rubric:
A-4: The Ludlow High graduate will effectively employ problem-solving techniques.

4 Advanced	Performing at a superior level of achievement Student consistently and thoroughly identifies and describes the problem; gathers, organizes, and presents information from a variety of sources; extends and refines knowledge using appropriate thinking skills; evaluates alternative conclusions; independently identifies and reflects on the strengths and weaknesses of the process.
3 Proficient	Performing at a level of achievement expected to be attained by all students Student frequently and effectively identifies and describes the problem; gathers and presents information from a variety of sources; selects and organizes information in support of a conclusion; reflects on the strengths and weaknesses of the process.
2 Progressing	Making progress towards expected level of achievement Student occasionally identifies and describes the problem; is learning to gather information from a variety of sources; is working to organize information in support of a probable conclusion; reflects on the process.
1 Needs Improvement	Still learning; still needing to make progress towards expected level Student rarely identifies and describes the problem; needs more experience in gathering information; has yet to organize information in support of a probable conclusion; has yet to recognize the necessity for reflection.

Conclusion

View responses from the entire class.

This scenario may be oversimplified, but elected officials and other grantmaking organizations wrestle with these same questions every day. Real people make decisions about how our tax dollars are spent, not just on government services, but on science, research and the development and use of new technology.