Option # 4.  Paper and Presentation: Choose a topic from the sign-up list provided on the www.  Research this topic using www and library resources. In your 4-5 page typed paper, clearly define the environmental problem, describe the related chemistry and the issues that are involved. Only one person will be able to write on each topic, so sign-up quick, while supplies last. Papers can be turned in at any time before January 29th at 12 noon.  The ABSOLUTE deadline for turning in the papers is January 29th at 12 noon. No papers will be accepted after that date and time. Note: All papers must be typed in a font that has 10-12 characters per inch.

Excellent sources of information are: the library (Chemical and Engineering News, Science, Nature, American Scientist, Science News, Down to Earth), the Internet, and newspapers. Encyclopedias and our text book do not count as references.) After finding at least three sources of information about the environmental problem of your choice, condense the information from those sources into a 4-5 page research paper. Sources must be cited in the text, and listed in the bibliography (you may be requested to provide copies of your sources, so do not throw them away until your paper has been returned.) For materials that were published on the world wide web(www), please report the URL address of the site for the information.

The audience for this paper are the other students in the CHEM 3100 class. Therefore, terms need to be defined and concepts must be simplified. Explain the concepts in your own words, do not lift phrases from the research paper and put quotes around them. There should be no quotations in any of these papers. The paper should be written in a style that is similar to scientific writing. There should be no first person and most sentences should use the passive voice. Science writing puts the emphasis on the data, (not on the writer) to be as objective as possible about the facts.
Examples

In the first example, credit is given to the author for increasing the entropy in the universe. The second example just states the facts.

Again, students are encouraged to consult the instructor for additional guidance. This assignment is designed to encourage exploration of the media and library resources for information about environmental chemistry. Also students will gain an appreciation for writing a paper in "scientific style". Length: 4-5 pages.

The following percentage of points will be used for grading these papers:
 

Grading of papers
-- Points
Depth of Research  20
Organization/Clarity  15
Grammar, spelling (be sure to use a spell checker)  10
Overall impression  5
Presentation:     You will give a brief (10-15 minute presentation) to educate the rest of the class and then answer questions from the class (5 minutes). The presentation should include a brief description of the problem and your suggestion for a solution. These presentations will be made during the last day of class, January 31. There will be a sign-up list on the www for the project topics. You may, upon consultation with the instructor, choose a topic that is not on the list. You will be expected to present the chemistry that is involved in the environmental issue, and you will be graded on the oral presentation based upon the overall organization and quality of the presentation.
 

Grading of oral presentations:
Criteria Points
Clarity of Presentation:
Oral 30
Visual Aids  20
Total  50
 
Back to CHEM 3100 Syllabus