Biology
BIOL 102: Introductory Biology Science Literacy Assignment
Content: There are many misconceptions about scientific concepts that are widely accepted by the general public. Some topics include cracking your knuckles cause arthritis and it takes seven years to digest gum. Students are required to research a topic of their choosing and write a term paper on it following the guidelines below. For assistance in choosing a topic, please consult the internet or your professor.
Be sure to use credible sources when conducting your literature search. One of the sources MUST be a credible scientific source such as Science Daily, Science News or Scientific American. Make sure that all sources are properly cited within the text and on a References/Works Cited page. Due Date and Submission: Students will complete this assignment and submit an electronic copy by 11:59 pm on 04/10/19. No paper or email submissions will be accepted; this assignment MUST be submitted via Blackboard. The assignment may be submitted early, but NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. If a student needs clarification, please email the instructor as soon as possible. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL IT IS DUE TO ASK QUESTIONS!
Grading: This assignment will be graded out of 100 points. For a breakdown of points, refer to the second page. Paper Format: Students are expected to turn in a minimum of 3-pages. Use double-space, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, and 1-inch margins on all sides of the pages. The first page is the title page, which should include the title of the specific misconception that you choose along with your name and section number. The body of the paper will be a minimum of 1 full page (excluding graphics) and a maximum of 2 pages of body. The last page will be the References/Works Cited page. Please note Wikipedia is not a valid source.
Failure to comply with format guidelines will result in point deductions.
Guidelines: Be sure to write a paragraph describing each of the following:
1) Introductory paragraph (4 sentences minimum) a. Thoroughly introduce the misconception by providing a detailed background on the topic
i. Give a background on the topics the misconception covers. For example, if you study chocolate causes acne , give a complete overview about chocolate, acne, etc.
ii. Any history of the misconception should be explained here as well. b.
2) Explain the correct scientific explanation of the phenomenon. (5 sentences minimum) a. What is the real cause of the misconception?
i. What is the actual science underlining the misconception? For example, if you study chocolate causes acne, discuss the scientific composition of chocolate and if there are any studies correlating that with acne formation. Also describe the scientific process of acne and determine if chocolate has an effect.
b. Provide specific examples of at least 1 article/reliable resource to support your stance on the correct scientific explanation
3) What is the relevance of this misconception to your everyday life and this course? (4 sentences minimum)
a. Describe your thoughts opinions on the misconception as a result of completing this assignment. b. Reflecting on this course, has there been any topics we covered that were relevant to this
misconception?
4) Concluding thoughts (2 sentences) a. What is the take-home message of the entire paper?
Grading Breakdown:
Other helpful hints:
• Remember to paraphrase when possible and avoid direct quotations or else there will be penalties. o Be sure to provide in-text citations for information that is not common knowledge or information that
was obtained from a source even when paraphrased. • Explain each of the above points in DETAIL! Write more not less. • Feel free to insert diagrams and pictures that help to illustrate your point. However, please remember that they
are not included in your page count. So if you insert a graphic, then the body of the paper should be longer than 1 page.
• Reread your paper paying close attention to spelling and grammar. • Seek assistance if you require it. • Do not wait until the day before it is due to begin this assignment.
Max pts Category To earn the maximum points
5 pts Format
1-in margins Double-spaced 12 pt Times New Roman font Minimum of 3 pages: title page, reference page, min 1 page body, max 2 page body
25 pts Introduction of Misconception Overview of misconception Detailed description of each component of the topic and controversy
40 pts Correct Scientific Explanation
Explain the correct scientific explanation underlining the misconception Provide scientific article examples confirming/denying the validity of the myth
15 pts Relevance to Real-World Overall personal thoughts regarding the misconception Examples of course content relevant to misconception
5 pts Conclusion Concluding remarks about the misconception/paper
5 pts References In-text citations Correctly formatted references (APA format/MLA format) At least one credible source
5 pts Originality, Creativity, Effort
Minimum direct quotes Minimum spelling errors Minimum grammatical errors Correct number of sentences within each paragraph
Grading Rubric:
Criteria Excellent Above Average Average Below Average
Format Followed all format
guidelines 5 pts
Missing 1 formatting guideline 4-5 pts
Missing 2 formatting guidelines 2-4 pts
Missing 3 formatting guidelines 0-2vpts
Introduction of misconception
Thoroughly introduced and described each component of the
topic/misconception 19-25 pts
Adequately introduced and described each component of the
topic/misconception 13-19 pts
Inadequately introduced and described each component of the
topic/misconception 7-13 pts
Provided a poor introduction to each component of the
topic/misconception or no introductory paragraph present
0-7 pts
Correct Scientific
Explanation
Thoroughly explains the correct scientific
explanation and provides scientific examples
30-40 pts
Adequately explains the correct scientific
explanation and/or provides scientific
examples 20-30 pts
Poorly explains the correct scientific
explanation and does not provide scientific
examples 10-20 pts
Missing or incorrectly explains the correct scientific explanation
0-10 pts
Relevance to Real-World
Clearly described personal thoughts and application of course
content to misconception 12-15 pts
Adequately described personal thoughts or application of course
content to misconception
8-11 pts
Partially described personal thoughts or application of course
content to misconception
4-7 pts
Missing or poor description and/or explanation of your personal thoughts and application of course content to misconception
0-4 pts
Conclusion
Thoroughly provides concluding remarks and delivers a strong take-
home message 5 pts
Adequately provides concluding remarks and a
take-home message 4-5 pts
Provides concluding remarks without a well- defined take-home
message 2-4 pts
Missing or poorly concludes the topic
0-2 pts
References
Provides proper number and format of in-text citations, correctly
formatted references page and used at least 1
credible source 5 pts
Missing a couple in-text citations, correctly
formatted references page and used at least 1
credible source 4-5 pts
Missing most in-text citations and/or
references 2-4 pts
No references page and/or no in-text citations and/or no credible source used
0-2 pts
Effort
Less than 5% similarity, minimum errors, correct number of sentences, and minimum to no
direct quotes 5 pts
Less than 15% similarity, correct number of
sentences, some errors and minimum use of
direct quotes 4-5 pts
Less than 15% similarity, correct number of
sentences, excessive use of direct quotes and/or errors reduce readability
2-4 pts
More than 15% similarity 0-2 pts