By conducting their own research, students develop a true appreciation for the scientific process. Although it can mean a great deal more work for teachers, we owe it to our students to give them an opportunity to try their hands at scientific exploration. Independent research projects are not the only way to expose students to the excitement of scientific discovery, but it has proven successful in my classroom. The following are some suggestions for enhancing the learning process and maintaining your sanity.

Perhaps the most crucial decision I made in regard to student projects is to limit the students to one organism—Wisconsin Fast Plants.™ Since all students are working with the same organism, they can share ideas and techniques for better maintenance of their plants. It also frees me up to focus on their individual experimental designs rather than trying to learn along with them how to raise and maintain their specific organism.

Have the students work in pairs—you will cut the correcting in half and you will find yourself going in only fifteen different directions instead of thirty!

Set up a classroom 3-ring notebook with a section for each pair's project. I ask students to give me copies of protocols, helpful hints, names of scientist contacts, etc., which I keep on file.

Set firm due dates. My students pass in rough drafts of their introduction 4–6 weeks before the final paper is due. This is followed a week later by the Materials and Methods section, and so on. When students pass in their final paper they are required to pass in their rough drafts as well. By comparing their final paper to the corrections and suggestions I have already made on the rough draft I can reduce my correcting time.

Schedule a field trip to a college library so students can have access to primary sources. Depending on the level of computer sophistication your school enjoys, students may be able to access journal articles on-line.

If at all possible, insist on students doing their experimentation in the classroom. Other students in class will be exposed to a variety of projects and techniques and there will be less behind-the-scenes parental assistance.

Encourage students to write or e-mail research scientists for assistance. Scientists can be very helpful by sending copies of articles and protocols, and making suggestions to my students. Scientific supply companies such as Carolina Biological and Ward's have also been extremely helpful.

Provide an opportunity for students to showcase their work. If your school does not run a science fair, try an evening symposium where students give a five-minute presentation to classmates and parents.

Demand excellence! We need to challenge students to excel. Although they (and perhaps their parents) may complain, they will be proud of their work if they know they have done their best.

Whitney Hagins
Medfield High School
24 Pound Street
Medfield, MA 02052
e-mail: belahill@aol.com