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=Welcome to the Gravelly Hill Middle Schools Exploring Biotechnology WikiSpace 2007!=

This wikispace has been designed to showcase the collaborate efforts of Gravelly Hill Middle Schools' students. All of the information (other than this homepage) has been submitted by Gravelly Hill's Exploring Biotechnology students.

=II. Objectives=

Students will conduct background research on the science of soap bubbles and their properties in preparation for a deeper understanding of the properties of cellular membranes.

In the laboratory students will understand the nature of science by conducting scientific research on factors that affect soap bubble size and longevity. After perfecting and standardizing their techniques and procedures, students will conduct research to optimize the ratio between detergent and water in a simple binary formula. They will then conduct background research on various soap bubble additives and explore the molecular science behind soap bubble strength. Their web-based research will lead them back into the lab to try out their various hypotheses and perfect their formulas.

All of their research will be documented in laboratory notebooks to simulate quality control in real workplace environments.

At the same time, students will gain a better understanding of Web 2.0 technology by using various forms of media and technology to develop an online learning environment.

Students will work in as individuals to conduct research on the web. Notes and hyperlinks will be stored in their own online notebook (Google Notebooks) and shared with their colleagues. Google Presentations will serve as a online collaboration tool to help teams design a presentation for the class.

Students will develop their interpersonal relationship and communication skills working together in team projects. Students will work together to build upon prior knowledge and participate in online discussions to foster their higher order thinking skills.

=III. Tasks=

Prior to this phase of your project, you should have a Google Notebook with at least three references and associated notes collected from the web.
 * 1) Search for and pull out the main idea from each of your references.
 * 2) Select an additive you would like for testing in the laboratory.
 * 3) Create a new page in this WikiSpace for background information about your additive.
 * 4) **In your own words**, describe the following:


 * Why you selected the additive.
 * What the additive is supposed to do.
 * Any scientific information you can find out about the additive, for example:


 * the scientific name of the additive.
 * a scientific description of the molecules present in the additive.
 * a scientific illustration of the molecules.
 * a scientific description of what the molecules are generally used for.
 * specific information on how the molecules strengthen the soap bubble.


 * Laboratory data you have collected about the effect the additive has on soap bubble longevity.
 * A comparison of your results to another team's result.
 * A conclusion concerning the relative merits of your results.
 * Thoughts on what experiments you would like to try next if you had the time and the money to do so.