Extra Credit Project Guidelines

As much as the study of biology necessitates devotion to the observations of hard and soft science there is an inalienable aspect of creativity in the pursuit of any investigation, never mind science, as a potentially convoluted and fascinating study of life. The objectives of this activity are to facilitate an increased understanding and knowledge of some basic principles of the natural world, and to increase the appreciation and personal enjoyment of intellectual activity.

That being said, we hope to entice you, the student, to a creative investigation of the importance of Photosynthesis (as it relates to you, society, the life of a plant, life as a whole, evolution, etc…) culminating in an innovative project that can be turned into a short film between 3 and 5 minutes long. Content should be biologically accurate (encompassing available knowledge), and can be in any moving picture oriented form (i.e. scripted short film, animated music video (or an original piece of music to a photo montage), video montage (can include text), documentary, clay/ani mation, puppetry, or filmed deliberate social engagement (see the Yes Men). Feel free to go wild and be imaginative.

Requirements:
• The work is 100% original (in the sense that it is created by you and your group)
• The project is submitted in the form of a video presentation of 3-5 minutes
• Groups consist of 3-5 people
• You provide a list of your sources of information and inspiration, otherwise known as a “Works cited” or “References” in your credits

Please note that purely visual pieces will also require a short written statement (3 to 5 sentences) describing the intentions of the artists.

Formatting:
• Movies must be in .AVI, .MPEG, QuickTime, Real or Windows Media Player format
(uploading them to YouTube and providing us a URL is also encouraged, but a digital copy must be submitted)
• Pictures can be in jpg, gif, bmp, or png format

Grading/Grades:
• Credit will only be given to those students who have submitted ALL other required assignments
(i.e. This bonus project cannot take the place of a lab report or other lab assignments).
• Your grade will be based on reviews from your peers and your Professors and TAs with fifty percent (50%) of the grade from peer evaluations and 50% coming from the Professors and TA(s).
• The maximum point value for the project shall be 25 points (or 1/10 of your total lab grade).

Projects must be submitted electronically. We will provide details on how your work can be uploaded to this class blog by April 1, 2009, 11:59 pm. The class and instructors will review the projects and rate them accordingly. Grades will be posted by May 1st.

Note: Digital cameras are obtainable from UCTV in the Student Union, room 409.

Completed projects are due by April 1, 2009, 11:59pm.