Investigations in the Sciences
Course Description:
Investigations in the Sciences challenges students to explore real-world scientific issues using inquiry-based learning. Through research, data analysis, and project-based assessments, students will identify unsolved problems or unanswered questions in a domain of the natural or physical sciences, evaluate sources, develop solutions, and present findings to real-world audiences. The course fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills while engaging students in ethical reasoning and stakeholder perspectives. Aligned with Michigan K–12 Science Standards - Science and Engineering Practices, this course empowers students to investigate, analyze, and advocate for meaningful answers or solutions in a field of science.
Course Details:
| Course Title (District): | Investigations in the Sciences | ||||||||||
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| Course Title (NCES SCED) : | Life and Physical Sciences—Independent Study | ||||||||||
| Course Provider : | Michigan Virtual | ||||||||||
| Content Provided By : | Michigan Virtual | ||||||||||
| Online Instructor Provided By : | Michigan Virtual | ||||||||||
| Standards Addressed : | Michigan K-12 Science Standards | ||||||||||
| Alignment Document : | https://learn.michiganvirtual.org/alignment-document-coming-soon | ||||||||||
| Academic Terms : | Semester | ||||||||||
| NCES SCED Code : 03997 |
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How To Enroll:
| Enrollment Website : | https://slp.michiganvirtual.org/ |
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| Email : | [email protected] |
| Phone : | (888) 889-2840 |
Students and Parents: It is important to work closely with your local school counselor or registrar to follow the school's enrollment procedures. By clicking the "Start Registration Request" button below, you will be able to notify the school of your interest in registering for the online course. However, it is the responsibility of the district or school to review the registration request and approve or deny the request. Please make a note to follow up with your school after submitting a registration request.
Additional Course Information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (888) 889-2840
- Investigate real-world problems, challenges, or unanswered questions
- Examine key causal or contributing factors to such problems or challenge
- Generate solutions to overcome such factors
- Design a model for testing solutions
- Produce artifacts that support proposed solutions (e.g., a piece of explanatory and argumentative writing, a visual and auditory presentation with appropriate accompanying media, a physical or illustrated model, a computer program or algorithm, data visualizations, original maps or graphics, or a physical product of another form suited to the topic investigated)
- Report the proposal and its supporting evidence to a real-world audience
- Presentation Software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) for creating and delivering findings
- Video Conferencing Tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) for presenting to external audiences
- Document Sharing Platform (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive) for collaboration and file exchange
- Audio/Video Recording Capability for asynchronous presentations or stakeholder communication
- Data Analysis or Modeling Software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, Python) if research involves quantitative analysis
- Graphic or Visualization Tools (e.g., Canva, Tableau) for creating visual representations of findings
Additional Cost Description:
The course has no material cost requirements. However, students’ individual projects may require that they acquire necessary materials of their choice.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to...
NSQ National Standards for Quality Online Courses: Fourth Edition (2025)
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| A1: A course overview and syllabus are included in the course. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| A2: Minimum computer skills and digital literacy skills expected of the learner are clearly stated. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| A3: The instructor’s biographical information and information on how to communicate with the instructor are provided. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| A4: Learner expectations and policies are clearly stated and readily accessible within the introductory material of the course. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| A5: Minimum technology requirements for the course are clearly stated, and information on how to obtain the technologies is provided. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| A6: Grading policies and practices are clearly defined in accordance with course content learning expectations. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| A7: The course instructions articulate or link to a clear description of the technical support offered and how to obtain it. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| A8: Learners are offered an orientation prior to the start of the course. | Pilot: Review Pending |
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| B1: The course objectives or competencies are measurable and clearly state what the learner will be able to demonstrate as a result of successfully completing the course. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| B2: Where applicable, the course content is aligned with accepted state and/or other accepted content standards. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| B3: Digital literacy and communication skills are incorporated and taught as an integral part of the curriculum. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| B4: Supplemental learning resources and related instructional materials are available to support and enrich learning and are aligned with the content delivered. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| B5: The course content and supporting materials reflect different perspectives and provide non-stereotypical forms of representation. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| B6: The course materials (e.g., textbooks, primary source documents, Open Education Resources “[OER])” that support course content standards are accurate and current. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| B7: The course is free of adult content and avoids unnecessary advertisements. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| B8: Copyright and licensing status for any third-party content is appropriately cited and easily found. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| B9: Documentation and other support materials are available to support effective online course facilitation. | Pilot: Review Pending |
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| C1: The course design includes activities that guide learners toward promoting ownership of their learning and self-monitoring. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| C2: The course’s content and learning activities promote the achievement of the stated learning objectives or competencies. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| C3: The course is organized by units and lessons arranged in a logical sequence. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| C4: The course content is appropriate to the reading level of the intended learners. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| C5: The course design includes introductory assignments or activities to engage learners within the first week of the course. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| C6: The course provides learners with multiple learning paths as appropriate, based on learner needs, that engage learners in a variety of ways. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| C7: The course provides regular opportunities for learner-learner interaction. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| C8: The course design provides opportunities for learner-instructor interaction, including opportunities for regular feedback about learner progress. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| C9: Course instructional materials and resources present content in an effective, engaging, and appropriate manner. | Pilot: Review Pending |
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| D1: Learner assessments align with stated course, unit, or lesson-level objectives or competencies. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| D2: Valid course assessments measure learner progress toward understanding of content. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| D3: Assessment practices provide frequent and varied opportunities for self-monitoring and reflection of learning. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| D4: Assessment materials provide the learner with the flexibility to demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| D5: Rubrics that clearly define expectations for varied levels of proficiency are created and shared with learners. | Pilot: Review Pending |
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| E1: Course navigation is logical, consistent, and efficient from the learner’s point of view. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| E2: The course design facilitates readability. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| E3: The course provides accessible course materials and activities to meet the variable needs of learners, following Universal Design for Learning principles. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| E4: Multimedia in the course is easy to use. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| E5: Vendor accessibility statements are provided for all technologies required in the course. | Pilot: Review Pending |
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| F1: All technologies and tools included for use as part of the course ensure that learner privacy is protected in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy and applicable law. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| F2: The course tools further the learning objectives and course competencies. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| F3: The course technology allows for customization and personalization. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| F4: The course operates within a platform to score and record assessments and calculate earned course points or grades. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| F5: Courses utilize emerging technologies that can enhance the learning experience, prioritizing learners and outcomes. | Pilot: Review Pending |
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| G1: The course uses multiple methods and sources of input for assessing course effectiveness. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| G2: The course is regularly reviewed to ensure that the course is current and relevant. | Pilot: Review Pending | |
| G3: The course is updated on a continuous improvement cycle for effectiveness based on the findings from ongoing reviews. | Pilot: Review Pending |
Review Conducted By: Quality Matters
Date of Review:
12/18/2026
Unit 1: Real-World Problems in the Natural and Physical Sciences
Unit 2: Developing Scientific Questions and Hypotheses
Unit 3: Designing a Research Plan
Unit 4: Refining Your Project
Unit 5: Engaging in Research or Experimentation
Unit 6: Evaluating Your Results and Drawing Conclusions
Unit 7: Communicating Impact to Stakeholders
Unit 8: Communicating Your Results and Recommendations to a Real-World Audience
| Term Type | Enrollment Opens | Enrollment Ends | Random Draw Date | Enrollment Drop Date | Course Starts | Course Ends | # of Seats | Course Fee | Potential Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 09/04/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 08/28/2026 | 08/14/2026 | 12/18/2026 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 09/04/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 09/04/2026 | 08/21/2026 | 12/18/2026 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 09/04/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 09/11/2026 | 08/28/2026 | 12/18/2026 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 09/04/2026 | 08/21/2026 | 01/08/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 09/11/2026 | 08/28/2026 | 01/15/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 09/18/2026 | 09/04/2026 | 01/22/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 09/25/2026 | 09/11/2026 | 01/29/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 10/02/2026 | 09/18/2026 | 01/29/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 10/09/2026 | 09/25/2026 | 01/29/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 10/16/2026 | 10/02/2026 | 01/29/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 | 10/09/2026 | 01/29/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 10/30/2026 | 10/16/2026 | 01/29/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 | 07/01/2026 | 11/06/2026 | 10/23/2026 | 01/29/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 | 07/01/2026 | 01/15/2027 | 01/01/2027 | 05/21/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 | 07/01/2026 | 01/22/2027 | 01/08/2027 | 05/28/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 | 07/01/2026 | 01/29/2027 | 01/15/2027 | 06/04/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 | 07/01/2026 | 02/05/2027 | 01/22/2027 | 06/11/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 | 07/01/2026 | 02/12/2027 | 01/29/2027 | 06/18/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 | 07/01/2026 | 02/19/2027 | 02/05/2027 | 06/18/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 | 07/01/2026 | 02/26/2027 | 02/12/2027 | 06/18/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 | 07/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 | 02/19/2027 | 06/18/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 | 07/01/2026 | 03/12/2027 | 02/26/2027 | 06/18/2027 | 100 | $370 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 | 07/01/2026 | 03/19/2027 | 03/05/2027 | 06/18/2027 | 100 | $370 |
| Drop Policy | Completion Policy | Term Type | Enrollment Opens | Enrollment Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 09/04/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 09/04/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 09/04/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 10/23/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2026 | 03/05/2027 |
Students can use email or the private message system within the Student Learning Portal to access highly qualified teachers when they need instructor assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside the learning management system. The Instructor Info area of their course may describe additional communication options.
Students will require a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube.
Students may need the following, depending on their chosen topic and the format of their final project:
Note: Specific requirements will vary based on the student’s topic and the format of their final project.Ensure that your school or district network and device administrator establishes network access permissions or exceptions for online resources relevant to the course in which you are choosing to enroll. Ref., Michigan Virtual Course Allow List
Please review the Michigan Virtual Technology Requirements.