Mr. Orth's Science classes Blog: Earth Science

All students will be finding an article or video on a recewnt scientific concept. They will sumarrise and cite their source according to the OHS work cited format found at http://ohs.juhsd.net/library/goldenpage.pdf. They will then present oral, using notecards, for 3-5 min.. on their topic. They will pick the day starting Oct. 25th and finishing Dec. 9th. This will count as an assement assignment (test/quiz/project) and will be woth 100 points .; See attached information.

You will choose (or be assigned) a date to present a science current event. For this presentation, you will need to find a news story or feature about something related to science. All students must sign up and present before the end of the semester. It will fall into one (or more) of these categories:

· Scientific discovery – for example, scientists find comets may have delivered the water found in earth’s oceans.

· Science-related event – for example, the Japan earthquake/tsunami/nuclear plant meltdown; the launch of a space probe.

· A cultural change/happening that involves science/technology – for example, bicyclists’ clothing that can act as a radar gun to show drivers how fast they’re moving.

· Science in public policy – for example, a bill or law that deals with science (cap on carbon emissions).

The article must be timely, meaning it’s been published within a month of your presentation. Finally, technology articles are okay, but I will not accept any product announcements or reviews.

The presentation will include two parts. The first is a write-up of your current event, summarizing the story and answering key questions. You will include a copy of the story you are citing. The second part is an oral presentation that should take between 3 and 5 minutes. This assignment is worth 50 points.

Science current events will:

Cite the news source, using the Oceana Golden page format for citations found on the Oceana website. Magazine Article:

Perlman, Jeff. “Sultan of Swat.” Sports Illustrated. 12 February 2001: 54-59.

Newspaper Article:

* Taylor, Michael. “Potholes Scar Roads Across Region.” San Francisco Chronicle. 23 October 2005:

* Give the title of the article, author’s name, and article date within the body of the summary.

* Summarize the event in your own words, using complete sentences. Spelling and grammar count.

* Your summary will answer the following questions:

· Who/what is the subject of the story?

· Where did it happen?

· When did it happen?

· How did it happen?

· Why did the event happen, or why was the event important enough to make the news?

· Why did you choose this article?

· What did you learn from the article, and what are your thoughts about this event/issue?

*CONNECTION AND COMMENT RELATED TO ONE ESSENTIAL QUESTION:

· How does this event affect the world or region where it occurred?

· How does this discovery advance science?

· What does the discovery/event mean for our society?

· What does this discovery/event mean for future work/the environment/humanity/etc.?

· If the story is about a law or policy, how does the policy or law affect science/society?

Below are several acceptable web sites and sources for science news stories. If you wish to use a source not listed below, please check with me first.

Popular Science

http://www.popsci.com/

New Scientist (News)

http://www.newscientist.com/section/science-news

Wired Science

http://www.wired.com/science/

New York Times (Science Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/science/index.html

Discover Magazine

http://discovermagazine.com/

National Geographic (News)

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/