Duration and Setting
Two hours to develop presentations plus time to deliver presentations in the classroom.

Summary
In small groups, students learn about different issues faced by agricultural scientists in Victoria and work as a team to develop innovative solutions to real problems. Background notes for teachers

Background notes for teachers
In 2009, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) commenced a three year Young Scientists program to engage students and school communities in real science and sustainable agriculture activities. This activity extends the reach of the program, by making case studies of the 2009 projects available for use in the classroom.

Investigation of the case studies will enable students to:

• Learn about real projects being undertaken by agricultural scientists working for the Department of Primary Industries and the science base of these occupations
• Process and synthesise complex information relating to real problems faced by scientists
• In small groups, formulate their own hypotheses and plan and conduct investigations in order to prove or disprove them
• Complete activities focusing on problem solving and decision making to develop recommendations for scientific problems
• Deliver presentations to their peers detailing the nature of their investigation, why it is important and their recommendations

To use the case studies
divide your class into small groups. Hand out to each group a different project sheet detailing the parameters of the research project they are investigating and their 'mission'. Each group should then present their recommendations back to the class in the form of an oral presentation, video, report, poster or any other method they can come up with.

One case study is described here. For free access the full set of case studies go to www.landlearn.net.au/resources and click on DPI Young Scientists Case Studies.

Another resource relevant to this case study is Fruit Fly Frenzy available on the LandLearning CD.

next» Young Scientists Case Studies—Part 2