Level III Task 4

You will complete the “My PBL Project” page using instructions from PBL Level III Tasks 4, 5 and 6.  The finished "My PBL Page" will include several components. Click here to see an outline for Level III "My PBL Page" components.

Step 1: Create a new page called "My PBL Project"

As part of Task 4 you are required to complete the Title, Introduction and Methods parts of your PBL project. Be sure to take pictures and video clips of your experimental setup, procedure, as well as evidence of your initial and final results, from the beginning to the end of the project. These pictures and video clips will be helpful when you get ready to create your PBL video.

Step 2: Create a Project Title

Write your project title on the center of the page.

• The project title should be clear and concise. 

• It should be informative.

• It should accurately portray the scope of the research study.

Step 3: Add Introduction

Introduce your research project and provide sufficient background information to explain it. Be sure to include the problem, purpose, research question(s) and hypothesis. Identify any practical application and/or social benefits associated with this project.

    Problem Statement(s):

• Write a problem statement.

• If possible, tie it to a practical application or problem that society or a community is currently facing.

    Purpose:

• Describe the main purpose or goal(s) for your project.

• Write a clear statement, stating the main purpose or goal of your project.  

• Depending on your project type, you may have more than one goal. Be sure to state each goal clearly.

    Research Question(s): 

• Include a statement of the question(s) to be investigated. This is also known as the driving question for your research project.     

    Hypothesis:

• Write a testable hypothesis based on your research question. When formulating a hypothesis, think about how the independent variable may affect your measured variable (e.g. Hypothesis: Fertilizer Brand X will result in maximum growth in plants).

• Avoid using "If and then" statement.

• Avoid using personal pronounce (I, We)

• Avoid using "think" or "feel"

Step 4: Describe Methods

Describe in detail how you carried out your experiment or tested your solution. 

    Variables (if any):

• Identify independent variable(s) - also known as the manipulated variables, or the things that you are changing to see how the results vary (e.g. types of fertilizer: fertilizer brand A, fertilizer brand B and fertilizer brand C).

• Identify dependent variable(s) - also known as the responding variable, or what you are measuring in your experiment (e. g. growth of the plant).

• Identify controls (if any) and constants for your experiment or project - this is the list of things that could vary (change) but you are keeping the same to make sure that any changes in the results are caused from the changes made to the independent variable (e.g. control: group of plants that do not receive any fertilizer and grown in normal condition; e.g. constant: exposing plants to same amount of sunlight and water).

    Materials:

• List all of the materials, equipment, chemicals and probe-ware (Use bullet points for each item).  

• Be sure to include accurate quantities, size or measurement used for each item. 

• For certain items, it may be necessary to include units (e.g., 5 ml, 10 g, or 10 min). 

    Procedure:

• Provide step-by-step procedures for your project or experiment. It is highly recommended to list all the steps as a number list (1, 2, 3, etc.).

• Be sure to include measurements and quantities when appropriate.

• Add pictures (when appropriate) to show step-by-step process or design. Remember all pictures should be from your own work. Be sure to add title/labels for each image with a brief explanation. 

    Safety (if any):

• Be sure to include all safety precautions that you will use to protect yourself and others (e.g., wear googles, gloves, lab coats, and/or adult supervision, etc.).  

• If working with chemicals (household or laboratory grade), be sure to list safety guidelines from the Safety Data Sheet information. 

• When appropriate, include proper disposal methods for chemicals and biohazard materials.