Biology Video Assignment - Research and Scientific Communication
Overview
This assignment is written as a final project for students in a biology class to create a video answering a question using scientific literature. It is scaffolded over the semester, with a brainstorming assignment, a submission of reference list, and the final video.
Biology Video Assignment
Dr. Darcy Ernst, Evergreen Valley College
Introduction:
Scientific research can be communicated in a variety of ways. A popular method for communication, especially in recent years, is in a video format. When people are watching videos online to be informed or entertained often shorter videos are better (studies have shown our attention and interest levels are highest for videos under 5 minutes).
For your final project you will choose a question within the scope of our class, Organismal Biology & Biodiversity, and create a 5-minute video answering the question using peer-reviewed scientific literature. This question can be broad or specific, and the video is open to your creativity! As you are studying for the class I encourage you to write down any topic that interests you or any question you have about the material, so that when you go to decide on a project topic you have some ideas already.
Part 1: Mind Map (Brainstorm)
This assignment is designed to help you think about your topic for your video project. Complete the Mind Map thought activity below and submit it as an assignment.
Your final project will be a 5-minute informational video on the topic of your choice (must be somewhat related to this class, but this class is broad so – get creative!). Your video can be animated, have slides, be in the style of a Tik-Tok, involve a song or dance, whatever you want to do.
First, watch this TedEd animation video from Joao Pedro de Magalhaes to get an idea of content and scope of a question you might want to ask and answer for your project. This video is titled “Why do animals have such different lifespans?”. The title of your video will also be written as a question so that you can answer it in your video.
To start coming up with ideas for your project you will create a Mind Map. There is a blank template below, or you can come up with your own. I have also put a completed sample Mind Map below the template based on my interests. Start with the project in the middle, then include at least three major topics you might be interested in branching off the main project. Then, write specific questions off of each topic. One of these questions could become the title of your project!
Submit: Your mind map and a paragraph describing what you think you want to do for your project (what question, briefly how you might present it).
Part 2: Collect and submit reference list
This week, your list of references for your project is due. Most of you have already finalized your topics but, if you haven't or need more help, please email me to set up an appointment to talk or come to office hours.
Your assignment is to provide a list of 10 peer-reviewed, primary literature sources (journal articles or books) that you will use as research for your final project. They must be correctly formatted and should not include links or websites.
You will use CSE (council of science editors) format. You may also use APA or MLA format if you are more comfortable with one of those.
CSE journal article format:
Author last name first initial, second author last name first initial. Year published. Name of article. Name of journal. Volume(issue):Page numbers.
Example:
Dove CJ, Snow RW, Rochford MR, Mazzoti FJ. 2011. Birds consumed by the invasive Burmese python in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA. Wilson J Ornithol. 123(1):126-131.
Note: not all journals have issues, and if you are finding it difficult to format your list click the CSE link above for more instructions/examples.
Part 3: Create your video
Your final project will be a 5 minute informational video on the topic of your choice (must be somewhat related to this class, but this class is broad so – get creative!). Your video can be animated, have slides, be in the style of a Tik-Tok, involve a song or dance, whatever you want to do.
Your project must be centered around a question - this question should be your title. It should be sufficiently specific enough that you can give a decent answer in five minutes. Your video should thoughtfully answer your question, using scientific information (from peer-reviewed primary literature, review articles, books - no random websites!). See the attached rubric for how you will be graded.
Example video from TedEd - note that it is centered around a question and seeks to answer that question using scientific information. This video is animated but you could do drawings, slides, anything you want! Feel free to get creative! You have already turned in your references, but your submission should include an updated reference page with all references you used for your project. All references must be peer-reviewed, primary literature (review articles and books are also ok).
Creating your video: There are lots of tools available to you to record your video. If you are using powerpoint, you can record your voice over the slides. You can record in Canvas Studio, where you can share your screen or your screen+webcam. Zoom has a recording feature as well, and many phones will record video as an .mp4 or other format. You may choose to upload your video to YouTube and share it with the world! If you choose this option you can submit your YouTube link for your assignment.
If your reference list does not appear in your video make sure to submit an updated reference list as a pdf or document as well.
Rubric:
- Title: single, succinct question
- Scientific content: depth of explanation, use of references
- Scientific content: full and clear explanation of the information presented
- Organized project, logical order to information
- Grammar and sentence structure
- Presentation of information: clear voice, good quality slides or other visuals, professionalism in video
- Updated reference page submitted in correct format, all primary references.