Geology final Essay

GEOG 227: Our Vulnerable Planet Project: Paper, Presentation, Video

Select an anthropogenic hazard for the project, and then select one of the subtopics listed under objective. Select a paper, presentation, or video to fulfill the assignment. (Presentation is not an option in a web/online section of the course).

Objective:

Explain an anthropogenic hazard in detail in a project that addresses one of the following topics:

(1) Technical / scientific aspects of the anthropogenic hazard (for example, a discussion of how acid rain is formed)

(2) A discussion of a specific occurrence of the anthropogenic hazard (for example, the deforestation of the Amazon)

(3) A discussion of how predicted global environmental change may affect the risk and severity of these hazards. 


Option 1 - Paper:

Students are to work independently on the paper.

· 2-3 pages of text, 1 inch margins, size 12 font, double-spaced

· You do not need a cover page, just a title and name at the top

· Paper should consist of:

· Introduction – include the research question. The research question should be clearly stated. You could also use the research question as the title of the paper.

· Body of Paper – Answer to research question. Be sure you answer the research question. The question must be clearly answered in the body of the paper and use scientific evidence from a peer reviewed journal to support your statements.

· Conclusion – Summary of results

· Two visual aids: maps, graphs, charts, diagrams. You must show scientific evidence by using 2 maps, graphs, charts, or diagrams. Photographs are only to be used as supplements to the first two visual aids.

· Refer to the visual aids in the paper to help reinforce your statements.

· *Visual aids do not count toward the text length of the paper.

· Works cited:

· 2-3 sources – must have 2 peer reviewed journal articles, you can use other sources in addition to the peer reviewed journal articles

· All sources are to be cited in the text of the paper, APA citations

· Full works cited page required, APA

· Use credible sources, such as peer reviewed journal articles. Do not use Wikipedia or a blog and other unreliable sources in a research paper.

Paper Assessment:

· Grammar and spelling count. Be sure to proofread.

· Correct citations and works cited page

· Was the research question answered?

· Are the visual aids relevant to the text of the paper?

Option 2 - Presentation: Not an option in the online section please continue to option 3.

Students can work in groups of two.

2-3 minute presentation of your research question and the answer.

Presentation should include the following:

· The research question should be clearly stated. You could also use the research question as the title of the presentation.

· The answer to the question should be easily identified by the viewer. Use scientific evidence in the form of visual aids to support your statements.

· Must include visual aids - Three visual aids: maps, graphs, charts, diagrams, photograph – The presentation should not have more photographs than it has maps, graphs, charts, diagrams. For example, if you have a total of 3 maps, graphs, charts, and/or diagrams, then you can have three photographs.

· Refer to the visual aids in the presentation and show your understanding of the material.

· Provide one question from the presentation that is most important for the students to know.

· Schedule a time for the presentation in class

· Hand in a paper copy of the presentation and the question for the class.

· Works cited:

· 2-3 sources – must have 2 peer reviewed journal articles, you can use other sources in addition to the peer reviewed journals

· Cite the sources on each slide with a short source tucked in the corner. Include a full works cited list at the end of the presentation.

· Full works cited page required, APA style

· Use credible sources, such as peer reviewed journal articles. Some news sources are more reliable than others, so make sure you are using reliable sources. Do not use Wikipedia or a blog and other unreliable sources in a research presentation.

Presentation Assessment:

· Grammar and spelling count. Be sure to proofread.

· Correct citations and works cited page

· Was the research question available to the audience?

· Was the research question answered?

· Are the visual aids relevant to the text of the project?

Option 3 - Video

2-3 minute video of your research question and the answer should include the following:

· 2-3 minute video of your research question and the answer.

· The research question should be clearly stated. You could also use the research question as the title of the video.

· The answer to the question should be easily identified by the viewer. Use scientific evidence in the form of visual aids to support your statements.

· Must include visual aids - Three visual aids: maps, graphs, charts, diagrams, photograph – The video should not have more photographs than it has maps, graphs, charts, diagrams. For example, if you have a total of 3 maps, graphs, charts, and/or diagrams, then you can have three photographs.

· Refer to the visual aids in the video and show your understanding of the material.

· Very short news clips are okay to use but limit them to a few.

· Provide one question from the video that is most important for the students to know.

· Schedule a time for the video in class

· Hand in a paper copy of an outline of the video and the sources.

· Students may use the Mediasite software available through Blackboard. Students may use another source to video as long as the screen and you are present. You may even have someone film you at your computer.

· Works cited:

· 2-3 sources – must have 2 peer reviewed journal articles, you can use other sources in addition to the peer reviewed journals

· Acknowledge the sources of your facts throughout the video. Include a full works cited list at the end of the video.

· Full works cited page required, APA style

· Use credible sources, such as peer reviewed journal articles. Some news sources are more reliable than others, so make sure you are using reliable sources. Do not use Wikipedia or a blog and other unreliable sources in a research presentation.

Video Assessment:

· Grammar and spelling count. Be sure to proofread.

· Correct citations and works cited page

· Was the research question available to the audience?

· Was the research question answered?

· Are the visual aids relevant to the text of the project?

Colonnade-General Education Assessment Guidelines: Project Assessment Rubric

· Excellent: The student demonstrates sophisticated critical thinking skills and makes appropriate use of references. The writing is well-written, clear, and concise and provides an advanced understanding of the anthropogenic hazard in question.

·

· Good: The student demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes appropriate use of references. The writing is well-written but is occasionally unclear or not concise. The student provides an adequate understanding of the anthropogenic hazard in question.

·

· Average: The student demonstrates some critical thinking skills but only occasionally makes appropriate use of references. The writing is adequate but is often unclear or contains a number of grammatical errors. The student provides some understanding of the anthropogenic hazard in question.

·

· Below Average: The student demonstrates marginal critical thinking skills and makes poor use of references or fails to use references at all. The writing is unclear and/or contains numerous grammatical errors. The student does not demonstrate an adequate understanding of the anthropogenic hazard in question.