University of North Texas  ·  University of Montana  ·  Meadowlark Science and Education, LLC.

Science Education Media
Advisory Board Review Portal

Structured evaluation of the Plum Lake Environmental Science Series — grades 7–10.

PI: Dr. Scott J. Warren Phase 1: Initial Review IRB: Minimal Risk Protocol
Step 1 of 10
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Informed Consent

Please read the information below and confirm your agreement before proceeding.

Consent Form
Evaluation and Iterative Development of Science Education Media Using Teacher Advisory Board Feedback — Dr. Scott J. Warren, PI

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and iteratively improve science education media products through structured feedback from an advisory board of science teachers. The study examines scientific accuracy, narrative and visual coherence, and appropriateness for grades 7–10.

What You Will Do

You will review all media products — five AI-generated videos, a curriculum guide, and a graphic novel — and complete structured rating items and open-ended feedback for each. About one week later, you will participate in a 60–90 minute focus group. After revisions are made, you will complete a brief re-review.

Time Commitment

This Phase 1 survey is expected to take 30–60 minutes. The Phase 2 focus group is 60–90 minutes. The Phase 3 re-review is 20–40 minutes. Total: approximately 2–3 hours.

Audio Recording (Focus Group)

The Phase 2 focus group will be audio recorded only with your permission. You may participate without consenting to recording; in that case, the research team will rely on moderator notes for your contributions.

Risks and Benefits

This study is minimal risk. Risks are similar to ordinary professional feedback activities and online data collection. You may experience minor discomfort when critiquing materials or participating in group discussion. There is no guaranteed personal benefit, though your feedback may directly improve the materials.

Confidentiality

Data will be stored in secure, password-protected files or university-approved cloud storage. Reports will use de-identified summaries. Because the Phase 2 focus group involves multiple participants, the research team cannot guarantee that other participants will keep the discussion confidential. Participants will be reminded to respect others' privacy. Records will be retained for at least three years past the end of the research.

Compensation

No compensation will be offered.

Contact

Questions about the study: Dr. Scott J. Warren, scott.warren@unt.edu, 940-369-7489. Questions about your rights as a research subject: UNT Office of Research Integrity and Compliance, 940-565-4643, untirb@unt.edu.

Audio Recording Permission
For the Phase 2 focus group only

Participant Information

Tell us about yourself and your teaching background.

Video 1: The Discovery

Chapter 1 — Environmental observation and scientific method. Amber and Einstein discover contamination at Plum Lake.

Watch the full video before completing this review. The link opens in a new tab.
Watch Video 1
Core Ratings
Video-Specific Ratings
Readiness & Feedback
Critical flag: Any concern noted here will be treated as requiring revision regardless of other ratings.

Video 2: Collecting & Testing Samples

Chapter 2 — Scientific methodology and laboratory procedures. pH testing and mass spectrometry reveal lead contamination.

Watch the full video before completing this review.
Watch Video 2
Core Ratings
Video-Specific Ratings
Readiness & Feedback
Critical flag: Any concern noted here will be treated as requiring revision regardless of other ratings.

Video 3: Toxic Lead Explained

Chapter 3 — Environmental chemistry and health effects. Lead toxicity, EPA standards, and pH-solubility relationships.

Watch the full video before completing this review.
Watch Video 3
Core Ratings
Video-Specific Ratings
Readiness & Feedback
Critical flag: Any concern noted here will be treated as requiring revision regardless of other ratings.

Video 4: Where Is It Coming From?

Chapter 4 — Geological investigation and environmental forensics. Source identification using maps and seismic data.

Watch the full video before completing this review.
Watch Video 4
Core Ratings
Video-Specific Ratings
Readiness & Feedback
Critical flag: Any concern noted here will be treated as requiring revision regardless of other ratings.

Video 5: Humans and Dogs

Chapter 5 — Health assessment and community water safety. Medical testing, chelation therapy, and water treatment systems.

Watch the full video before completing this review.
Watch Video 5
Core Ratings
Video-Specific Ratings
Readiness & Feedback
Critical flag: Any concern noted here will be treated as requiring revision regardless of other ratings.

Curriculum Guide

Review the Plum Lake Curriculum Guide — updated to align with the five-video series — before rating.

Plum Lake Curriculum Guide
Updated series guide covering all five video chapters (Chapters 1–5) with activities, pacing, and standards alignment for grades 7–10. Chapter 6 (“The Solution”) has been removed to match the five-video series.
Open Curriculum Guide (Google Docs)
Core Ratings
Curriculum-Specific Ratings
Feedback
Critical flag: Any concern noted here will be treated as requiring revision regardless of other ratings.

Graphic Novel

Open the graphic novel in Google Drive and read it before completing this review.

Open the graphic novel in a new tab before rating. Complete your reading first, then return here to fill in the review.
Graphic Novel: Pocadillon Falls — Act 1
Garion and Ian’s graphic novel educational material.
Open Graphic Novel (Google Drive)
Core Ratings
Graphic Novel — Rubric-Aligned Ratings
Readiness & Feedback
Critical flag: Any concern noted here will be treated as requiring revision regardless of other ratings.

Closing Observations & Export

Share any cross-product observations, then download your completed review.

Cross-Product Observations
These questions ask you to reflect across all materials you reviewed.
Submission
By exporting your review you confirm this reflects your honest professional assessment.
Submitting Your Review
Please complete both steps below after downloading your files.

Once you have generated and downloaded your files, please email both to the research team:

1 Click Print / Save PDF to save your review summary as a PDF, then attach it to your email.
2 Click Download CSV to save your raw rating data, then attach that file to the same email.
3 Send both files to scott.warren@unt.edu with the subject line: Advisory Board Review — [Your Name].

Thank you for your time and expertise. Your feedback will directly shape the revision of these materials.

Advisory Board Review Summary