Extra+Credit

Extra Credit: Biology in the News Article Summary and Evaluation
You may do one extra credit assignment per unit exam this year. The extra-credit paper is due on the day of each scheduled exam and can add up to 10 percentage points to your exam grade.

Chose an article to read from a recent (last 12 months) newspaper, magazine, scientific journal that is related to a topic that we are currently discussing in class. If you choose to use the Internet as a source, be sure to print out the article and be sure that the site is a legitimate one. Ask me to preview your article if you are unsure.
 * Directions **

Good website suggestions


 * [|Click here for current Science Articles]
 * [] (environmental news network)
 * []
 * [],

For full credit, your paper must be

· TYPED, using 10 – 12 font, double-spaced. · The length requirement is 1 page typed or 2 pages handwritten. · Source must be included (stapled to your report). I will not accept a paper without a source.

Summary (First paragraph)
Summarize the article in your own words. Read the article, and restate the main points and or ideas. Some questions to get you on the right track would be: What was the article about? Where did the research/ situation take place? Who conducted the research/study? What conclusions if any were reached? Be sure to include all main components of the article. It should be a condensed version of the topic covered in the article.

**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Evaluation (Second paragraph) **
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This section of the write-up is your chance to relate what you have read and summarized to what we study in class. Also, be sure to explain your views on the topic. Do not say, “I don’t have any opinion on the subject”. Don't say 'this topic doesn't affect my life' because EVERYTHING we study in biology affects your life in some way..............you just have to make the connection!

Some possible questions to get you started for your evaluation paragraph- How does this article relate to class? How does this topic affect your life? How did the article make you feel? If controversial, do you feel strongly about the article one way or the other? Do you think that the topic covered is important to society? To the scientific community? Do you think that the research was complete? Does it need to be examined more?

Extra-Credit Rubric
Summary: ___/ 3.5 pts.__ Evaluation: _/ 3.5 pts. Spelling/Grammar:___ /1 pt__ Typed: _/2 pts


 * Note: If the length requirement in not met, 2 points will be deducted