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MORE EXTRA CREDIT IDEAS

*   Learn to take photographs of nature. Try either color or black & white film. Get an adult to help you. Use a disposable camera or digital camera. Create a scrapbook or display of your photos, with captions.      [2-4 points]

*   Read an interesting science-related newspaper article or magazine article, appropriate for middle school.   It should be "just right"--not too short and not too long. Then fill out a news article/magazine article review form . Each report must include a copy of the article. [1 point]

*   Make some decent sound recordings, especially ones from nature. Create a sound-filled adventure, mystery, or field trip.      [2 points]

*   Raise Painted Lady butterflies. Get information about ordering larvae from the web or from Mrs. Jenner. It's easy. Keep a journal, complete with sketches, to share your observations and results with the class.      [2-4 points]

*   Interview an expert in your field of interest. Decide on some good questions before the interview. Take some notes. Share what you learn in a report, a detailed poster, or a display.      [2-3 points]

* Organize, design, and create a special glossary related to a particular science topic, like chemistry, insects, simple machines, or geology. Include definitions and lots of illustrations.   Please note: The llustrations may not be inserted from clip art or the Internet. Do your own sketches please.   [2-3 points]

*   Research a science topic of your choice. Use encyclopedias, reference books, or the web. Come up with an effective way to share what you learn. [2-4 points]    Here are a few ideas:
                         > a display with labels, captions, and lots of details
                         > a PowerPoint demonstration, with slides and script
                             [Be sure to follow my PP guidelines.]
                         > a colorful, eye-catching poster with lots of details
                         > an interesting, well-written report, with lots of details
                         > a clever video with a cast, costumes, setting, and script
                            [Submit your idea to me in writing prior to filming, please!]

*   Make a model. Models are very useful in science, especially for things that are too large (like the Earth), too small (like atoms), too distant (like planets), or long gone (like dinosaurs). Make a model of something that fits in with a science topic in which you are interested. Most models would be 3-D, and include labels and a way to be displayed. Don't spend a lot of money--use junk you find around the house.** If you have any questions, contact me. Here are some ideas:

       flower parts, tree parts, animals, insects, butterflies, volcanoe types,
       landforms, planets, the moon, Martian surface, sea creatures, bridges,
       simple machines, the Grand Canyon, the human body, body systems,
       organs, the heart, skeletons, levers, pulleys, gears, screws, wedges,
       inclined planes, wheels and axles, complound machines, etc.

** I like to put together kits, however, I do not give EXTRA CREDIT for science for following directions in a kit. Build your own models from scratch!!