Coordinated Science 2
Yearlong Research Project
1st Marking Period

Please see assignments page for all due dates.  

1. Choose any topic in sciences that interests you. Avoid broad topics such as “Nutrition”, “Space”, or “Pollution”. You will be required to submit:

·        Your topic choice

·        Your reason for choosing this topic

·        3 questions about your topic to indicate the direction of your research

·        The name of an expert you plan to interview during the third marking period

·        An article based on your topic

These items are due on 

2. Research your topic in the library. The information you are seeking may include:
1. Pertinent definitions/explanations
2. Discovery/history
3. Uses /hazards
4. Current research/future uses
5. Detection/symptoms/treatments

3. You will be given two class days to begin this research in the library. You may also need to go to the library on your own time as well.

4. You must use at least three references for information. At least 2 of these sources must have an author. Encyclopedias may not be used. This includes all Encarta. You must use at least one magazine or newspaper reference. The use of the Internet is permitted; however, you must use legitimate sites. If you are not sure if your Internet source is valid, ask your teacher. You are required to turn in a print copy of any Internet sources used.

5. You will be required to turn in a pre-writing, not a draft, of your research. Examples of acceptable pre-writing include an outline or a concept map. This should be one side of one sheet of paper. This is due on 

6. A good bibliography/works cited page is extremely important for a report of this nature. A serious draft copy of this is also due on

7. Another part of the assignment is to collect current event articles. Begin as soon as possible to collect all current event articles about your topic that appear in newspapers and magazines. You may also look for journal articles online. If your topic does not appear in any articles, then see your teacher for advice. All articles are to be submitted on plain white 8 1/2” x 11” paper at the time your report is due. Make sure to include the source and the date on the page. Click here for links to current event websites.

8. Your report must be typed (double-spaced). It has no specific length, though it should probably be at least three full pages in length. Keep in mind that your report should demonstrate your thorough understanding of your topic. It must be written in your own words, with minimal (if any) direct quotations. A detailed evaluation sheet will be given to you by the end of September to help you understand how your paper will be graded. Be sure to use your very best writing skills. The report must use MLA-style reference citation and work cited list. Your agenda book has a description of the MLA-style in its reference section. The written report, with works cited list and current event articles, is due on . NO EXCEPTIONS. This report will be 25% of your marking period grade.

Common Writing “Pitfalls”:

·        Addressing the reader: “I am going...”or “you will learn about....”

·        Too broad a topic chosen

·        No (or weak) introductory paragraph

·        No concluding paragraph

·        Paragraphs that are not paragraphs

·        Poor sentence structure

·        Poor organization

·        Use of contractions: Can’t, won’t

·        Sentences that do not say anything

·        Use of terms that you do not understand

·        Too many quotations

·        Not using your own words; plagarism

·        Written at middle school level

·        No citations

·        No work cited list

·        No current events

 Return to CSII course description
 

Click here to return
to Mrs. Barrett's page.