A2.5 Becoming an Expert

Introduction

Basic background information is the foundation for more in depth research. You may wish to seek the help of a librarian as you research deeper into your problem. A librarian typically has a Masters Degree in library sciences and is an expert at locating material in databases. One of the first things a librarian will ask for is list of key terms and words associated with your subject. At this point in your research project, it is important to compile the information that has been collected in a concise format.  In his activity you will also identify organizations or associations contact information that will help you later.  It is strongly recommended that you do not try to contact experts until you have completed this exersize and can speak Intelligently about the subject.

Option 1 - In this project, your team will create a brochure that can be used as a tool to capture your project’s focus and why you think it is worth pursuing. As your project moves forward, this document can be used to to communicate the major points of your project to a general audience or to help secure financial backing from organizations and businesses in your area. Using the word processing software available in the computer lab, prepare a tri-fold brochure that will explain the topics listed below:

• Project Title
• Choose a simple title that will easily describe your project.
• Pictures or Clip Art
• Include three images that are easy on the eyes. Keep the scale of the brochure in mind when selecting the images.
• Personal Information
• Your full name
• School name, mailing address, teacher’s name, school phone number, email address
• Problem Statement
• Using your best grammar, state the problem you have found and give a handful of basic facts.
• Add statistics you may have obtained.
• Make a point that the problem needs to be solved.
• Add basic background or history information that the general observer would need.
• Key Words
• List 25 key words or terms on the back of the brochure to help guide others in understanding your team’s project.
• Five Associations, Organizations, and Societies connected to your problem
• Compile a list of the experts.
• List their names and website information or physical addresses.
• When your team is finished, submit the brochure to your teacher for evaluation.

 Option 2 - In your Engineering Notebook capture:

• Project Title
• Choose a simple title that will easily describe your project.
• School name, mailing address, teacher’s name, school phone number, email address
• Problem Statement
• Using your best grammar, state the problem you have found and give a handful of basic facts.
• Add statistics you may have obtained.
• Make a point that the problem needs to be solved.
• Add basic background or history information that the general observer would need.
• Key Words
• List 25 key words or terms on the back of the brochure to help guide others in understanding your team’s project.
• Five Associations, Organizations, and Societies connected to your problem
• Compile a list of the experts.
• List their names and website information or physical addresses.