Proposal Format

Your proposal must be written in a style similar to research articles in journals such as Science and Children, Science Scope or School Science and Mathematics.  References  should be in APA style (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.html).  Submit your proposal electronically as a component of your Science Education Portfolio (http://www.umd.umich.edu/sep). Be sure and keep at least one backup copy of your proposal.

Your proposal will be at least 5 pages long, and should be divided into the following sections:

I.  Introduction

A.    Statement of problem and its significance

1.    The problem must be related to the capstone “big idea”

B.     Relevant research and how it applies to your problem

1.    Use your references to describe what others have done to investigate this question or problem and how your research builds upon existing research

C.    Carefully worded research question or problem

1.    The question or problem addressed must be related to the scientific “big idea” of the capstone course

2.    The question or problem must be approved by the collaborating classroom teacher 

II. Methods

A.    Subjects

1.    Describe the students that you are working with (i.e., demographics, achievement level, what science concepts they have addressed this term)

B.     Procedures

1.    Outline your step by step plan for investigating the problem or question

2.    Describe what you will do and what the collaborating teacher will do

III.  Data analysis plans

1.    Describe how will you use and interpret the data that you collect

IV. References in APA format

A.   Must include a minimum of five print references, at least two from educational journals or books 

V. Time Schedule

A.   Description of what will happen and when it will happen 

VI. Appendix

            A.  Interview questions, questionnaires, observation checklists, etc.

Home  Back to Portfolio Components