Christopher Columbus Awards

Let’s do some research!

Christopher Columbus Awards

Let’s go over the process we need to use to approach the Christopher Columbus Awards with a sample project.


We starting brainstorming possible topics for our project just a few days ago.


Don’t get discouraged if you aren’t excited about your topic right away.

Sometimes finding a good topic to research is the hardest part of your project!

The first thing you did was to write down a problem that you wanted to solve.


For a sample problem, I started thinking about cell phones.

A recent article I noticed in TIME magazine talked about a possible link between cell phone use and Brain tumors.


Although there is no real data showing a link between cell phones and tumors, I thought it would make a good experiment to learn more about.

First….Describe your problem clearly and descriptively.

Next…Write down a complete sentence that clearly describes the problem your group is trying to solve.


Sample Problem: Brain Tumor rates seem to be increasing, and increased cell phone usage may have something to do with this.

Next….Research your topic and become an expert in all things relating to your topic.


Sample: Graphs and data charts showing brain tumor rates and cell phone usage rates.

Microwave (Cell Phone) Radiation and it’s effect on the brain at different ages.


When you have done your research….Brainstorm as many possible solutions as you can. Don’t just jump onto the first one that comes to mind!


Sample Solutions :- Change the way cell phones work- Have people wear hats while using cell phones-Insulate one side of the cell phone-Make a shampoo that insulates against cell phone signals-Encourage texting if the call will be short-Encourage the use of bluetooth headsets-Make sure you have a strong signal when making a call-Increase the number of cell phone towers

Next….Identify the most promising ideas.


Sample Solutions :- Change the way cell phones work- Have people wear hats while using cell phones-Insulate one side of the cell phone-Make a shampoo that insulates against cell phone signals-Encourage texting if the call will be short-Encourage the use of bluetooth headsets-Make sure you have a strong signal when making a call-Increase the number of cell phone towers

By next Friday, your group needs to be ready to share your problem and solutions with the rest of the class in a 5 minute presentation.

Now let me show you what the next stages will be…


Next….Identify one or more community experts who can help you with this project.

This may be a doctor / engineer / politician / etc.


Best Solutions :Design a public Awareness campaign that intends to:-Encourage texting if the call will be short-Encourage the use of bluetooth headsets

EXAMPLE:-We have a local politician to help our group prepare materials to share with the public.

Next….Put together your idea and test, test, test!

SHOW that your idea will work!


EXAMPLE:-We had a focus group of 100 people answer a short survey about cell phone use and what they would be willing to change to stay healthier.

Finally….Compile all of your data, research, and testing into a final paper along with your final conclusion relating to your topic.


This is due on February 1st, 2012

Today….1. Write your problem clearly and completely2. Start to gather all data and information related to

your problem.3. Brainstorm MANY

solutions4. Have each member

choose a solution to research more

5. Plan your presentation for next Friday.


Documents

Christopher Columbus Awards