I allowed some creativity -- the standard paper was assigned, but PowerPoint presentations or videos were accepted -- if a student presents a different idea, choose the requirements for providing the Source material and documentation of the work so that you can refer to it -- for example, if it's a skit, it needs to be recorded for the teacher's reference.
I provided a list of possible scientists, and each student could pick one (to avoid repeats) -- it was a "first come, first serve" way of assigning scientists -- here's one list that I started with:
Here is one version of an assignment I gave:
Check out my lab book "Chemistry on a Budget" at amazon.com -- it's only $20!
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Each lab is presented with two possible report formats -- both labs use the same procedure but each has a different conclusion -- one with 10 questions to be answered as a conclusion, the other with a full laboratory report required. This gives the teacher the option of what type of report is desired, and each version is designed to be just two pages. This way the teacher can photocopy just one 2-sided page per student (saves paper).
I hope you all are having a relaxing summer -- have a good week!