Nothing is as Real World as Competition

“School librarians’ roles with students and teachers in science fair competition”

Mirah J. Dow, BSE, MLS, PhDAssociate Professor

School of Library and Information ManagementEmporia State University

Emporia, KS USAmdow@emporia.edu

Students tend to not ask librarians for help. Don’t make this mistake!

Why read this?

Purpose of PresentationDoing a research project can be a

challenge. You will need assistance from your school librarian (who has expertise in information seeking and technology use), science and math teachers, parents, and/or perhaps someone in your community who has specialized expertise. Each slide will help you to focus and help you to see what to do.

Competition

Motivation

Excellence

Creativity

Recognition

LOCAL REGIONAL STATE NATIONAL MATH, APPLIED SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

Get Involved

Achievement

Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) & School Library Standards for the 21st Century Learner (AASL)

Your school librarian, science and math teachers can enable you to:

• inquire, think critically and again knowledge;• draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new

situations and create new knowledge;• share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as

members of our democratic society; and• pursue personal and aesthetic growth.

Standards for the 21st Century Learnerhttp://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_LearningStandards.pdf

STEM Education Coalitionhttp://www.stemedcoalition.org/

Scientific MethodFrancesco Redi, 1626-1697

Formulate a scientific questionMake observationsResearch the questionForm a hypothesisDesign a studyConduct an experimentAnalyze dataDraw conclusionsCommunication results

Student ↔ STEM Educator ↔ School LibrarianTwo Stages of Research

This is stage #1.

Preparation Stage

Literature Context

Research

→ Topic → Observation → Question(s) → Hypothesis →

Student ↔ STEM Educator ↔ School LibrarianTwo Stages of Research

This is stage #2.

Experimental Stage

Data Context

Research

→ Design → Conduct → Analysis → Conclusions → Communication

Guided Inquiry-Research Process Model

K – What do I Know? Literature review, research area, topic, context

W – What do I Want to know? Research Questions F – How do I Find out?Method: What is the design of my study?

Who will I question? What method will I use for data collection?

L- What did I Learn? Results: data and data analysis

U – How do I Use what I learned?Conclusions: Answer your research questions – What’s new? How does it apply to what is already known?

N – What will I do Next time? Conclusions

How can my study inform next research steps?

Guided Inquiry model from Kuhlthau, C., Maniotes, L. K., and Caspari, A. K. (2007). Guided Inquiry: Learning in the 21 st century. Libraries Unlimited. Representation of the Research Process model fromBlaxter, L., Hughes, C., and Tight, M. (2006). How to research. Open University Press, pp. 8-9.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD ACTION PLAN

Formulate a scientific question Talk with teachers and librarian about problems you encounters in everyday life. Select a topic and make a claim. The more passion you have for a topic the better. (Example: “Is cold medication good for you? I think that cold medicine might speed up or slow down heart rate.”

Make observations Watch real-time, related situations and build on existing information. Record your comments, thoughts, and opinions. Consider: How will I achieve this need to know MORE? What is required if I study human subjects or use hazardous chemicals? What is my timeline for the project?

Preview project posters and science reports from previous years. Know where your work is heading.

Research the question Read about your selected topic. Ask your librarian to help to locate, gather, and organize information from a variety of print and electronic resources. Select evidence (for and against) for your initial claim about the problem.

Ask your teachers and librarian to explain expectations associated with selected discipline or subject areas. If you don’t understand what this means, point to this step and ask what it means. It is important.

Form a hypothesis Write a statement (hypothesis) that predicts results of your investigation or experiment.

Design a study Outline your research plan using research concepts and methods taught in science class. Ask school librarian, teachers, parents, and/or other knowledgeable community member(s) to assist you.

Conduct an experiment Arrange for time at school and/or at home to do the experiment and record data.

Draw conclusions Uses computer software to create charts, graphs, and displays data. Identify flaws, errors and/or bias and explain how the evidence supports or refutes the hypothesis. How do your findings compare to findings in earlier studies?

Communicate Results Write the research report. Construct poster and prepare presentation.Write an article. Create website, blogs, and wikis to publish your study.

Prepare for Science Fair Practice presenting your study and speaking to judges. Present !

One Page Research Proposal(Include these subheadings in your initial proposal.)

Name, Grade, Today’s DateResearch Category TitleProblemResearch QuestionPermission Request PlansMaterials NeededProcedureProposed Timeline

Tips for Best ResultsAsk your school librarian for assistance by partnering with you and your teachers.

Select a topic that matters and will address current needs of people in today’s society. Read and study about the topic so you really know it well.

Ask your school librarian and science teacher to hold an informational meeting. Invite the adults who will assist you.

Keep everything in your paper and/or electronic notebook; make good use of the electronic space (such as MyBackpack) provided at school. Complete assignments on time.

Give yourself plenty of time to collect significant data.

Learn the steps in the scientific process; know how this process can be applied to solving problems in everyday life.

Create a clear, concise poster; fully explain data and conclusions; compare your findings to findings in prior studies.

Write an excellent research paper. Use the required writing style, format and outline for contents.

Present your study to many different audiences; speak with confidence and conviction. Have fun.

ReferencesAcademic Success: How library services make a difference. ACRL Thirteenth National Conference. Pg 141 - 157.http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/events/national/baltimore/papers/141.pdf

American Association of School Librarians (2007). Standards for the 21st Century Learner.http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/standards.cfm

Blaxter, L., Hughes, C., and Tight, M. (2006). How to research. Open University Press, pp. 8-9.

Common Core State Standards Initiativehttp://www.corestandards.org/

Dow, M. J. (2011). Broadcom MASTERS: School Librarians’ Roles in Middle School Science Fair Competition, School Library Monthly, to be published in November issue.

Kansas Science and Engineering Fairhttp://kssciencefair.org/

Kansas Science and Technology Fair, State Standardshttp://kssciencefair.org/resources/state-standards

Kuhlthau, C., Maniotes, L. K., and Caspari, A. K. (2007). Guided Inquiry: Learning in the 21st century. Libraries Unlimited.

Learning Skills for Information, Communication, and Media Literacy http://kssciencefair.org/content/upload/files/ictmap_science.pdf

STEM Education Coalitionhttp://www.stemedcoalition.org/

Society for Science and the Public, Broadcom MASTERS Competitionhttp://www.societyforscience.org/MASTERS

What Students Don't Know. Inside Higher Ed. August 22, 2011:http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/08/22/erial_study_of_student_research_habits_at_illinois_university_libraries_reveals_alarmingly_poor_information_literacy_and_skills