Current event Summaries
Every 2 weeks a current event summary will be due. Each student must find 2
articles related to the area of science assigned that week. Articles must
not be older than 3 years from the current school year. Both summaries need
to be written as a single document for submission to turnit in.com
The total point value of the assignment is 24 points and the point break down
for each article is as follows:
Title of article - 1 point
Author - 1 point
Source of article - 1 point(must include name of publication and web
address if taken from the internet and
name of web site)
Date of issue - 1 point
A one paragraph summary, at least 6 sentences, of the article. Explain what
it is that you read. - 5 points
A paragraph, four sentences minimum, on how the article is related to the
branch of biology. You may also include your personal opinion of the
article - 3 points.
WHAT NOT TO SAY IN THIS PARAGRAPH - For example, if the
topic is embryology DO NOT USE THE SENTENCE "This article is related to
biology because it talks about embryos" This statement is a given and will
not count in your point or sentence total.
The following is a well written example of how to write a summary for one
article of this assignment:
TITLE: For Kids: Double Take.
AUTHOR:Sohn, Emily
DATE: Tuesday December 9, 2008
SOURCE: Society for Science and the Public, Sciencenews.org,
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/39172/title/FOR_KIDS_Double_take
1ST PARAGRAPH: The article “Double Take” gives a detailed explanation of the
three different types of twins. First there are Identical twins which are
twins that are formed by an embryo that splits in the first few weeks of
growth. Second, are fraternal twins who are twins that are formed by two
separate eggs and are more like regular siblings than identical twins. Last,
are the virtual twins which are two people that live in the same environment
but are not biologically related. The article also explains why identical
twins have a larger chance of sharing diseases. For example, if one twin has
a serious illness there is a fifty percent chance the other twin will develop
the same disease, which is a result of genetics.
2ND PARAGRAPH: This article is related to the topic of genetics because it
identifies the similarities and differences that twins share which may be
related to their genetics. It also outlines the personalities of twins and
how identical, fraternal, and virtual twins may act more like each other
depending on the type of twins. Since identical twins are formed from one egg
the genetics are more similar and therefore, the personalities of the twins
reflect on this.
I enjoyed reading about the different types of twins because it’s interesting
to read about how they develop and how their genetics play such a large role
in their overall personalities.
*Students may use magazines or newspapers. I strongly urge students to use
science related journals or magazines. Science News is probably the best as
the articles are short, generally easy to read and is published weekly.
*Web articles may also be used. However, both the website and the web
address must be included as the source along with the author, date of
article and title.
*In addition, students may watch t.v. programs of at least 1 hour in length.
The citation must include the date and name of the program, channel it was
seen, and the date of viewing. Acceptable channels are PBS, Discovery
Channel, National Geographic, TLC, History Channel, and Animal Planet.
The finished write-ups are to be submitted to Turnitin.com as a single
document.
***Use of the following is unnacceptable and will recieve a grade of Zero***
Newspaper or magazine articles which involve human interest or advise
columns such as "Dear ...", or "How to ...".
Newspaper or magazine articles which involve the discussion of a scientist
and their contribution to science or the topic
Dictionary and encyclopaedia entries pertaining to the topic both in book
and web format.
Local or cable news programs.
"Cutting and Pasting" of web articles.
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**** The current event is due by your submission time on the due date*****
***** LATE CURRENT EVENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
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