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HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL 4U BIOLOGY 2012/2013 Independent Study Project: Homeostasis, Maintaining Balance In these investigations, students will be involved in the initiating and planning of a scientific study. You will be performing library research, then designing and implementing a study in which you will record, analyze, interpret, and communicate your research and data. A formal written report as well as an oral presentation of this information to your peers will be required.Students will be expected to demonstrate skill in: – using safe lab techniques – designing properly controlled investigations to test hypotheses concerning selected variables – describing, recording and interpreting data from the above investigations – writing a formal report of their findings – preparing and teaching information to their classmates on their study topic The area of Homeostasis gives opportunity for varied and interesting research.Many different types of organism s are available for study, from invertebrates such as worms or insects, to larger organisms like plants, mice, dogs, cats, horses, or humans. Topics that can be investigated are not restricted to this broad area, but might look at areas such as †¢ homeostatic processes involved in maintaining water, ionic, thermal, and acid-base equilibria in response to both a changing environment and medical treatments (e. g. investigate the feedback mechanisms involved in water balance or thermo-regulation; study the buffering system of blood; investigate the operation of the nervous system or endocrine system; study how chemotherapy affects homeostasis); †¢ the mammalian immunological response to a viral or bacterial infection; †¢ the impact of environmental factors such as allergens on homeostasis within an organism. †¢ physiological effects of drinking coffee or using sports drinks and performance †¢ invertebrate responses to external stimuli (e. g. , nstinctive behavi our in response to chemical stimuli or light); †¢ impact of environmental factors on the growth and propagation of bacteria or plants †¢ the effect of dietary supplements on health; study the effect of taking large quantities of vitamins or amino acids; determine whether substances or practices people use to cope with stress actually work Students may work in pairs, but you should be aware that one report is submitted, with both partners receiving the same mark. There are both benefits and pitfalls to working with a partner, so think carefully about this option if you decide to take it. I will expect the paper to be between 2000-4000 words in length, but the presentation length will not be doubled). Please take note of the following requirements and timelines. Although all due dates are negotiable well in advance, I will expect people to commit to them and maintain a progressive approach to their work. Specific Requirements: Topic proposal-completed sheet stating the organ ism and problem you plan to investigate Journal-a diary recording: Date Description (BRIEFLY) Time spent on a daily basis e. . Jan. 14 surfed Web for topics 30 minutes Resources-identify at least two books, two journals and two Internet sources, with a paragraph describing the information you expect to use from each of them (i. e. six paragraphs) Method-outline the actual equipment, procedures, and measurements to be done Rough notes-hand written outline of essay (NOT a rough draft) or digital files (CD, USB, whatever) Final paper-1000 to 2000 words, plus table of contents, data, charts, graphs proper referencing with Reference List Presentation -a ten minute (max. ) summary of your work, including a one-page handout for the class. Due Dates:Topic proposal +Journal entriesMon/Tues, Jan. 21/22 Resources +Journal entriesThurs/Fri Jan. 31/Feb 1 Method +Journal entriesWed/Thurs Feb. 6/7 Rough notes+Journal entriesWed/Thurs Mar. 6/7 Final paper+Journal completeWed/Thurs, Apr. 10/11 Prese ntations Wed, Fri, Tues Apr. 10, 12, 16 Thur, Mon, WedApr. 11, 15, 17