[05] 

This project is designed to have each student, independently conduct research into selected topics. These topics are by nature controversial, and have created on-going discussion, and debate. Some have ended up becoming siginficant court cases. Examine your topic and then analyze the data, and arguments, synthesize and develop a written report based on the data-sets. Use of graphics, charts, tabular data are fundamental to the report.

****Ford vs. Firestone-Whose right -whose wrong?
Ephedra -- Athletes and Performance "Drugs" Are they worth it?

• SmallpoxVaccine Immunizations: What should public health policy be ?
  West Nile Virus: What should public health policy be?
  America at the Polls-which voting method is best for an honest election?
  Bottled vs. Regular Water- Is it really worth it?
  Sports Beverages: How effective are they?
  Bio-engineered Food- Read the labels before you bite in!
  Antibiotics and Growth Hormones:Is our meat safe?
• Diet Products-Are they really effective and safe?
  Advertising in schools: How effective? How ethical?
  Air bags/safety belts: How Safe Are you?
  Cell Phones and Brain Cancer
  Video Games and Violence
  Mozart and Raising Baby: Does it make kids smarter?
  Stem Cell Research: Stretching the Ethical Boundaries of Medicine
  Sick Buildings and Sick People: What does the research say?
  Second Hand Smoke: Harmful or Harmless?
  Immigration: Helpful or Harmful to the US economy?
  English and Spanish: Should the US have an official language?
  Home Schooling vs Public Schooling: Which for your kids?
  Mardi Gras Time:  Is rebuilding New Orleans good public policy?
  Reforming the Income Tax: Who wins and who loses? Requirements:

• A cover page, with your name, topic, class name and date
• Introductory section [identify it with a header ] which outlines what the argument or issue is in the report, and what the controversy/issue involves-what's at stake?
• 4 data sets [in tabular, charted, graphic format ] with source citations; balance your data with sets for both pro and con arguments. Each must be cited.
• [type ]Written report 350-500 words -double spaced -in length, with 2 of the four data sets charted/graphed by you to support your discussion. One graph is pro and one is con.
• A separate conclusion section, [identify it with a header] in which you outline and decide where you stand on the issues presented in the report [a pro/con argument ] and the reason[s] why.
• At least 2 magazine or periodical articles [aside from www resources ] that substantially address the issues in your report [ at least one page in length ] and provide the content basis.

Category	Your Score	Total
Analysis [Pro & con discussion and conclusion ] Each 10 points.		40
Content [including data set quality and relevance, 4 data sets -with related comments]		40
Form/Presentation [layouts/visuals]		10
Mechanics [quality of graphs, charts, [citations,grammar, punctuation, syntax, etc ] Sources [Minimum above ]		10
Comments		100 Points

10-25-05 v

independent_study_fall05.htm