Alien Invasion: A Unit on Adaptation

August 18, 2007

Dear Parent,

Please carefully read the information in this packet that describes your childÕs research project in Biology this semester. We have included the course syllabus, calendar and rubric. We believe this project represents a wonderful and valuable learning opportunity for your child. We realize it is a lot of information to read but we believe it is very important that you understand all aspects of the project so that your child will meet with the highest level of success. This biology project requires self-discipline and hard work. Please check on your childÕs progress from time to time and feel free to contact us if you have any questions (school phone: 654-4321, E-mail: teacher@schoolisd.edu).

The research project will require about an hour or two out of class time per week. This is very dependent on how lab time is utilized in class. We have provided a significant amount of time for students to work on their projects during class. We will also be going on 2 field experience trips that will each take up a full Saturday. Please see course calendar for the specific dates. Students will be required to pay for the field experiences and it is possible for students to choose projects that require only materials that are normally found in the classroom or around the home plus a few special pieces of equipment provided by the school. If your child asks you to buy any expensive equipment for the project, please be aware that this is due to the choice of topic and is not a course requirement.

This project culminates in a poster session in which all students will present the results of their research. Students will present results to their peers as well as other educators in our department. This will give your son or daughter the opportunity to develop presentation skills that will be necessary for his or her continued education in college or future career.

The final grade for this project is broken down in the course rubric. If you have any questions or concerns about how your child is going to be assessed please contact us so that we can address any issues early.

Please sign below so that we know that you have seen this letter and the following 6 pages. Please give particular attention to the discussion of project partners and to the project due date sheet. Thank you for your time and interest.

Sincerely,

Meredith Rutter & Sarah Grice

teacher@schoolisd.edu or teacher2@schoolisd.edu

Office Phone 654-4321

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(please detach and return by your child)

I have read and understand the requirements of my child's Biology Project.

________________________________	Child's name_________________________
Parent Signature	(please print)