Ms. Kendall's Virtual Science Classroom

You have been given a simple open-ended assignment - to research a famous scientist, prepare a presentation and and deliver it to the class. Approach this project with an open mind. What aspects of a scientist's work can you explore?

Make sure you choose to describe the connection your scientist has to the development of our understanding of atoms and the Periodic Table of Elements.
You will have way too many resources and possibilities, so your job is to create a focus.

Here is a tried and true method.

1.    Think about your audience. Do they want you to stand up there and read pages of boring stuff? NO! They don’t want boring power points or boring posters or skits or boring videos either.

2.    They want something interesting. The secret is in your ideas, NOT the tricks and technology.

3.    How to find good ideas? Take out a paper and pen and a big question mark. WHO-WHERE-WHY-WHAT-HOW?????

Scan the books & the terrific online sites chosen for you. ( Please don’t wander aimlessly online and don't just cut-and-paste an article from Wikipedia or a homework help site)

4.    As you read Collect Questions –NOT a bunch of random facts (how do you know they will be useful?). Your curious mind will lead you where you need to go.

5.    Select your best questions and check the topic with the teacher. And then go after the answers!

8.    Don’t forget to give credit to the people whose ideas you are using – use Citation Machine – it is so easy.

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Advice about Resources - Start with books! They open your mind.

Then try a print or online encyclopedia.

It gives you the basics. Wikipedia is good, but not all articles are balanced - try out 2 great edited classic titles - in book form or online (ask for the password)