California RET

Communications-Session 1

Agenda1. Reviewing the goals of the NSF RET program 2. Writing the hypothesis, problem statement, or

research question3. Reviewing RET reporting requirements 4. Understanding common mistakes in technical writing

a. Wordsb. Sentencesc. Paragraphs 

5. Reporting on your Summer experience 6. Reviewing project management issues for teachers 7. Writing your report

a. Outlinesb. Abstracts 

8. Budgeting for your project 9. Understanding scientific ethics

Goal of the RET program

The Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program supports the active involvement of K-12 teachers and community college faculty in engineering research in order to bring knowledge of engineering and technological innovation into their classrooms.

NSF Hypotheses• Immersing K-16 teachers in university

research activities, under the supervision of funded PIs, will result in the teachers introducing hands-on, inquiry-based activities in their science, math, and technology classrooms.

• Adopting and adapting hands-on, inquiry-based activities in science, math, and technology K-16 classrooms will increase learning among students. The impact will be assessed by test score improvements, career choice indications, and other measures of subject mastery.

Hypothesis Defined

A hypothesis is a 'small' cause and effect statement about a specific set of circumstances. It represents a belief that a researcher possesses before conducting a satisfactory number of experiments that could potentially disprove that belief.

The Hypothesis, Problem Statement or Research Question• The difference between the way things

are and the way things ought to be.• The cause-effect relationship being

proposed.• No more than three to five sentence

paragraph.• Elements:

– Statement of the problem (evidence of the importance of the problem).

– Realistic solution-the relationship (indication of the path to the solution).

– Quantitative/Qualitative criteria for measuring the solution.

Hypothesis example

 Cardiac arrest and subsequent neurological damages represent the leading cause of morbidity and devastating disabilities. Currently success of the resuscitation effort depends significantly on minimizing cerebral complications, yet little treatment strategies are available to ameliorate brain damages. Utilizing novel techniques in electro-physiological monitoring and gene expression studies, this proposal aims to show that the progression of cerebral injury can be quantitatively characterized by brain’s cellular and electrical responses. This approach allows for the identification of molecular cascades that influence neurological damages and exploitation of potential pharmacological targets for therapeutic intervention. The outcome of investigation will lead to objective measures of therapies centered to enhance cerebral tolerance of oxygen deprivation by stimulating protective cellular mechanisms to facilitate recovery.

With hands-on learning and clearly written instructions, students can connect with technology, perform at all levels of taxonomy and have real-life experiences.

In opposition to national trends, the incidence of AIDS among the homeless in Baltimore has increased by more than 30% in the last six years. The disease’s progression for many of these individuals is accelerated by the fact that most of these homeless individuals are IV drug users. The establishment of a residential facility to house homeless individuals stricken with AIDS would provide a controlled environment for the treatment of both their addictions and illness.

Cardiovascular diseases is the leading cause of death in the United States, and five million years of potential life are estimated to be lost annually. Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation restores spontaneous circulation to about 70,000 cardiac arrest patients a year in the US, but 60% of these patients die subsequently in the hospital due to extensive brain damage and only 10% are able to resume their normal lifestyles. There are currently no approved drugs to improve patient quality of life or neurological function. A recent emerging trend suggests that use of the body's natural defense pathways, a mechanism called preconditioning, can lead to robust recovery and improved outcomes. First, I hope to quantify the injury precisely using brain rhythms, neurological behavior scoring and cell morphology in a rat model. Second, I hope to optimize the preconditioning effect. Finally, I hope to elucidate possible mechanisms of preconditioning and mimick the preconditioning effect through pharmacological intervention to establish the effectiveness of preconditioning pathways.

Students in grades 5 and 6 are America’s future. But the vast majority of these students are performing at sub-standard academic levels. This project aims to engage students in an applied research project analyzing the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. Activities will include collecting samples, testing, analysis of impact and reporting results. The standardized science scores for students engaged in the project will improve by 12 percent.

Tissue loss and organ failure are serious health problems that account for nearly half of all U.S. health care expenditures. The advent of polymer scaffolds has led to rapid advances in tissue regeneration, but current scaffold materials are not well suited for promoting the regeneration of some soft tissues. With the development of novel biopolymers, tissue-engineering scaffolds can be developed to yield successful regeneration of these soft tissues. Naturally occurring cell binding motifs will be incorporated in biopolymers capable of forming physiologically reversible hydrogels. This will be accomplished using novel methods in genetic engineering, and will result in “intelligent” hydrogels that will aid in the regeneration of specific types of soft tissue in the human body.

 

A significant portion of the Earth’s non-submerged surface is unfit for normal forms of farming due to extreme aridity, and the inhabitants suffer from malnutrition. If it were possible to build a portable, durable, and completely encapsulated system which is partially self-subsistent, then these people would not need to go hungry- they could cultivate their own food without evaporative loss. My solution is a double-shelled system capable of supporting both plants and fish in a symbiotic and highly efficient way. The purpose of this particular stage is to prove that the system is capable of working, with no degradation, for a period of not less than three (3) weeks.

In North America alone, millions of people are victims of theft in their home each year. Often times these victims fail to install security systems because they are too expensive or troublesome. However, a portable, simple, and cost effective motion sensor and auto-dialer could be installed in every home in America. This would ideally reduce theft by 100% in the homes that had these systems installed.

RET teachers have two hypotheses.

• Your Summer research activity

• The curriculum innovation you plan to introduce

1. Robotics in surgical applications have significantly improved the accuracy of such procedures, minimizing unintentional damage to the patient. Currently, our surgical assistance mechanism utilizes computer-monitored human control of the x, y, and z-axes of motion to take biopsy samples. The insertion of the biopsy needle occurs along the z-axis and is the motion that presents the greatest potential to cause damage. Therefore, it is our goal to add robotic control to this axis of motion, removing human error in the insertion process.

2. Students who realize the context of physics and engineering are proven to gain greater enjoyment and deeper understanding of the subjects. An interesting application of electricity and mechanics is found in the surgical assistance devices used in cutting-edge hospitals around the world. This project aims to engage students in the study of electricity and mechanics as it relates to the function of a model surgical system, thereby integrating the SDE curricula with a highly engaging application. Activities will include analyzing robotic components, devising a strategy for safe tumor removal, and performing a simulated surgery. The heightened interest will improve student performance on formal assessments.

Readability Studies

• Word choice (including verb usage)• Sentence length and structure• Paragraph structure• Punctuation

Words

• Select strong vigorous words• Use familiar words• Use specialized words with caution• Use concrete words• Prefer active to passive voice• Avoid overuse of camouflaged

verbs

Concrete Words

• A sizable profit• Good accuracy• The leading student• The majority• In the near future• A work-saving machine• Light in weight• Easy to measure

Use Simple Wording

• Use words with simple, clear meaning:

be cognizant of

commenceutilizefacilitateoptimumshould it prove to be the casewith the possible exception offor the reason that

How to Win at Wordsmanshlp

0. integrated1. total2. systematized3. parallel4. functional5. responsive6. optional7. synchronized8. compatible9. balanced

0. management1. organizational2. monitored3. reciprocal4. digital5. logistical6. transitional7. incremental8. third-generation9. policy

0. options1. flexibility2. capability3. mobility4. programming5. concept6. time-phase7. projection8. hardware9. contingency

Philip Broughton, Public Health Service

Avoid Using Sexist Words

PluralReword the sentenceNeutral expressions

Avoid male dominance expressions

Clear Writing

Use words appropriately:its it’stheir therewhich thatlie lay

Choose the Right Words

We produced a small (amount, number) of automobiles this year, even (fewer, less) than last year.

Exercise: We produced a small number of automobiles this year, even fewer than last year. Discussion: The words “number” and “fewer” are appropriate because the sentence refers to a quantity that can be counted.

The serum had serious side (affects, effects).

Exercise: The serum had serious side effects. Discussion: Affect refers to feelings or influence; effect refers to results or consequences.

Every 250 years, Pluto completes (its, it's) orbit about the sun.

Exercise: Every 250 years, Pluto completes its orbit about the sun. Discussion: Its is possessive for it; it’s is a contraction for it is.

When a photon in that energy range strikes the atom, the atom (looses, loses) one of its outer electrons.

Exercise: When a photon in that energy range strikes the atom, the atom loses one of its outer electrons. Discussion: The verb "lose" means to part with or to miss from one's possession. The word "loose" is generally used as an adjective, meaning not rigidly fastened. When used as a verb, "loose" means to let loose and implies a conscious act, something an electron does not perform.

The talk centered (around, on) the (principal, principle) of virtual work.

Discussion: The talk centered on the principle of virtual work.

This report discusses how the eruption (affected, effected) the surrounding terrain.

Discussion: In this case, affected is correct because the volcano acted upon or influenced the surroundings.

Last year, Japan (lead, led) the world in automobile sales.

Exercise: Last year, Japan led the world in automobile sales.

Discussion: The word "led" is the past tense of the verb "to lead"

We then sent the broken part to John Brooks, (who, whom) the laser group had recommended.

Exercise: We then sent the broken part to John Brooks, whom the laser group had recommended. Discussion: The word "who" is used for the subject of the dependent clause; "whom" is used for the direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition in the dependent clause.

Reduced weight was the (principal, principle) reason for choosing aluminum.

Discussion: Principal is correct here because it means main or primary.

Neither the engineers (nor, or) the technicians were hurt in the blaze.

Discussion: neither/noreither/or

All the bombings involved explosives (that / , which) contained the chemicals PETN and RDX.

That is correct because the composition of the explosives was not restricted to two chemicals.

All the bombings involved Semtex (that/ , which) contains the chemicals PETN and RDX.

In this case it is restrictive, so ‘,which’ is most appropriate.

To treat a bite from the puff adder, select the anti-venom serum (, which counteracts the adder's poison. / that counteracts the adder's poison.)

Discussion: The answer depends on the situation. If there is only one anti-venom serum and the information about counteracting the adder's poison is additional information for the reader's knowledge, then use the "which" clause. If there are several anti-venom serums and the information about counteracting the adder's poison identifies the type of serum to select, then use the "that" clause.

(Hopefully, / It is hoped that) the antibodies will destroy the cancer cells.

Exercise: It is hoped that the antibodies will destroy the cancer cells.

Discussion: The word hopefully means in a manner full of hope, not it is hoped that. A correct use would be as follows: "We looked hopefully to the courts for a

ruling on the contract dispute."

Keep sentences short

• Include an average 16 to 18 words per sentence

• Use commas, colons and semi-colons sparingly and appropriately.

• Place related words close together.

Active /Passive

• The new process is believed to be superior by the investigators.

• The policy was enforced by the committee.

• The office will be inspected by Mr. Hall.• A gain of 30.1% was recorded for soft-

line sales.• It is desired by the office that the

problem should be brought before the board.

Camouflaged Verbs

• Amortization of the account was effected by the staff.

• Control of the water was not possible.

• The new policy involved the standardization of the procedures.

• Application of the mixture was accomplished.

Clear Writing

• Avoid fuzzy or inappropriate use of words:

The intrinsic labyrinth of wires must be first disentangled. The liquid contents of container should then be disgorged via the spout by the operator.

When the element numbered one is brought into tactual contact with the element numbered two, when the appropriate conditions of temperature have been met above the previously determined safety point, then there will be exhibited a tendency for the appropriate circuit to be closed and consequently to serve the purpose of activating an audible warning device.

When the heat rises above the set safety point, element one touches element two, closing a circuit and setting off a bell.

Clear Writing

• Keep subject, verb, and object close together.

A comprehensive evaluation of the operational retraining program and of the progress of the 10,000 to 15,000 pilots who change specialties each year is underway.

Objective Versus Personal Writing

• Objective = third person• Personal = first person• Avoid awkward references

– In the opinion of the researcher this conclusion supports the need for additional research.

Lists - Parallel Construction

• Sentence– Research is continuing on the

increase in red cells.

• Noun phrase– Increase in red cells

• Decapitated sentence– Unable to determine why red cells are

increasing.

The three largest earthquakes occurred in San Francisco, Tokyo and Lima.

Original: The three largest earthquakes occurred in San Francisco, Tokyo, and Lima. Discussion: While the comma following "Tokyo" is optional, it is certainly not incorrect.

The three largest earthquakes occurred between San Francisco and Palo Alto, within ten miles of Tokyo, and in the mountains above Lima.

The three largest earthquakes occurred around the Pacific rim:

• between San Francisco and Palo Alto• within ten miles of Tokyo• in the mountains above Lima.

The three largest earthquakes occurredaround the Pacific rim:

• in a rural area between San Francisco and Palo Alto;

• in an urban location two miles south of Tokyo’s city center; and

• in the mountains forty miles east of Lima.

Clear Writing

• Write sentences averaging less than twenty words.

• Avoid compound tenses for simplicity and certainty (could, should).

• Avoid ‘there is’ and ‘there are.’• Write a clear topic statement for every

paragraph. • Avoid wordy or superfluous statements

like ‘The purpose of my paper is . . ’

• Watch for tense changes– ‘By May 1, grant decisions will be

made, and funding is distributed by June 1.’