In the Fall of 2011, we'll build on the base PlantingScience expereince, and begin designing (and hopefully implementing) a system for electronic ps-Badges as a means of rewarding students for the COMPLETION of their research projects. You’ll be able to take your ps-Badge with you where ever you go online (Face Book, YouTube, job interviews...). We’ll also explore the options for creating  ps-Badges for teachers and scientists! The concept looks like this:

CRITERIA for a COMPLETED research project

 We’re pleased to see you are interested in receiving a ps-Badge. Here is what you need to do to earn a L1 version.

1) You must have all of the elements for a research project in place, including:

• Completed PRE & POST Tests
• Research Question
• Research Prediction
• Experimental Design
• Conclusion
• Uploaded Journals
• Uploaded Data Files
• Uploaded Final Presentation Files

2) You must actively communicate as a member of the scientific community, including:

• Frequent Updates for, and Discussions with Your Mentor
• Meaningful Comments Supporting Other Teams Research

An L1 ps-Badge will trigger an invitation to the next level of research experience and act as a personalized electronic "BADGE" indicating to the Scientific Community the attainment of a certain experience/skill/knowledge set. Each level/project will have a specific ps-Badge. Each ps-Badge may be supported by a specific partner, industry group or a group of multiple partners.

	ENTRY is open to all classes (current model). Topics are general and designed to provide a basic understanding of the scientific process. An L1 ps-Badge reflects this level of engagement/achievement.
	LEVEL 2 is by invitation only and earned by holding an L1 ps-Badge. An L2 ps-Badge will be supported by the PS community and/or specific industry partners and is viewed by the Scientific Community as a major achievement and having gained a set of designated skills/knowledge.
	LEVEL 3 is a very limited invitation to those holding L2 ps-Badges, and is triggered by specific scientists/industry partners asking students to spend time in their labs. Holding an L3 ps-Badge is recognized by the Scientific Community as a significant achievement and represents a high skill/knowledge level.

Please send your thoughts and ideas on this to: PSTeams@PlantingScience.org.