For this part of the competency assessment, you will be writing a lab procedure (but you will not be completing the lab).

You will be using the Four Steps of Restoration from Task 1C and one of the HIPPCO impacts from Task 1B. You may use the same HIPPCO impact as your checkpoint, or you can select a new one.

Step 1: Pick Your Topic

Select an impact from HIPPCO.

Step 2: Write a Research Question

Write a question about the impact. It needs to be specific and testable. Include background information that allowed you to write your question.

Step 3: Write a Hypothesis

Turn your research question into a hypothesis using "if. . . then. . . because" format.

Step 4: Identify Your Variables

After you have a hypothesis, identify the control, the dependent variables, and the independent variables. Explain why each is what it is.

Step 5: Determine Data Collection

Decide what kind of data you will need to collect.

Determine how you will collect this data. What methods will you use? What tools will you need?

Step 6: Write a Lab Plan

Use the information from above to write a clear lab plan. Be sure to reference the four steps of restoration to help guide you. The goal is to restore a habitat from the effects of one impact in HIPPCO, the lab is to test whether or not the steps are working.

If you were to carry out the investigation, how would you do it? Be as specific and detailed as possible.

Step 7: Revise Your Plan

Bring your plan to your teacher for guidance. Make revisions as directed.

Check your plan for proper spelling, grammar, and scientific language.

After you have completed your plan, write the entire thing up as a letter. You will be writing to the mayor to try to convince him to give you funding for your lab (you won't actually be sending it to him).

Include your question, hypothesis, variables, data collection methods and tools, and lab plan. Also include details about the issue and how the four steps of restoration fit into your lab plan.

Submit everything to Slate when done.