​Bio Expo Project 
​This project is designed to help you learn about a biology topic of your choice. The idea is that you will complete indepth scientific research to learn about the topic. You will then write a scientific paper, explaining what you have learned. In addition to the paper, you will create a project that builds upon what you learned. These projects will be presented in a bio expo that will be held at the end of the school year.
Week of Jan 7th - Project description & overview. Your teacher will go over the expectations and how the assignment will be broken down.            

Week of Jan 21st - Preliminary topic check – What aspect of biology do you want to focus on for your research? 

Week of Feb 3rd - Final topic choices are Due   
 
Week of Mar 3rd - Topic Outline is Due, Category choice is Due

Week of May 5th - Science Background Paper Due

May 19th - Bio Expo Projects due
 
May 20th - Bio Expo - 6-8pm

Week of May 27th - Presentations graded during finals periods
Read the Double Helix by James Watson. There are three papers you will write about different aspects of the book. See the descriptions of the papers and suggested page lengths below:

Part 1: Character sketches (1.5 pages, single spaced)
In this paper you should describe the individual personalities of the main characters (Watson, Crick, Wilkins, Franklin), as well as discuss the relationships between these individuals. Also discuss the role of cooperation and competition in their academic pursuits.

You MUST turn in your assignment through Canvas so that it can be accessed for plagiarism through turnitin.com. You do not need to submit to turnitin.com directly. Just turn in through Canvas. 

Part 2: Processes and Methods (2 pages, single spaced)
Throughout the book scientists engage in various processes and activities that allow them to better understand the science they are working on and to make new discoveries in their fields. In this paper you should discuss the techniques used to understand the structure of DNA including the use of X-ray crystallography, mathematical models, and physical model building. You should also discuss the importance of sharing ideas either through conferences, published journal articles, and informal gatherings.

Part 3: Discoveries (1.5 pages, single spaced)
Numerous discoveries were made throughout the course of the book. In this paper you should outline the important discoveries that helped Watson and Crick build their model of DNA. Describe how each of these discoveries resulted in a more complete model or a reanalysis of the working model of DNA. You should discuss how the discoveries were seen at the time vs how they are seen now that they informed on the discovery of the structure of DNA. (You should specifically discuss the discovery of the a-helix, the calculations of Cochran/Crick, Chargaff’s rules, and the x-ray crystallography evidence.)
​Recommendations:
  • Set up a binder/file just for your BioExpo work, using tabs/colors for organization
  • Back up everything electronic to your Google Drive 
  • Make a checklist and check things off as you do them
  • Have others (family, friends, etc) read your work before turning in
 
Assignment Descriptions: (All lengths are for 1.5 spaced, Times New Roman, 12pt font)
 
Topic Ouline (1 page):  
  • Organizes your paper and outlines the important components
    • Title: Clearly indicates the topic of the paper or presentation.
    • Abstract: Provides context and explains why the topic is important.
    • Main Sections:
      • Headings and Subheadings: Break down the main sections into manageable parts. Each heading should represent a major point or section of the paper.
      • Key Points: Under each heading, list the main points or arguments that will be covered.
      • Supporting Details: Include sub-points or evidence that support each key point. This may involve data, examples, or specific arguments.
      • Logical Flow: Ensure that the order of sections and points follows a logical sequence, making it easy for the reader to follow your argument.
    • Conclusion: Recap the main points or findings discussed in the paper.
Science Background Paper (3-4 pages, 5 page maximum):
  • ​
  • This should be the best work you can do. It is your final product. 
 
Annotated Bibliography
  • Must be annotated and in proper format 
  • You will need to include abstracts from 2 scientific papers in your final annotated bibliography
  • Scientific papers can be found at local university libraries or via the Internet
  • The following sources will NOT be counted: Wikipedia, search engines including but not limited to Google and ask.com, study guides such as SparkNotes, encyclopedias, and dictionaries
 
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