Biology Writing Requirements

Meeting Rigor & Relevance Requirements in Science

Pre-AICE Biology & Biology I Honors

Educate for

Practicing Science Literacy

	Science Journals
	Write summary of current event using PSL sheet pdf / word
	If you are writing a summary based on an online article, please print out article and staple to PSL sheet.

Book Reports: Biology Reading List click here

Choose a science related book for 1st/2nd semester reading requirement

Check out book from a library or purchase

	Only approved books
	You may choose a book that is not on the list, but it must not be a book you are reading, or have already read, for another class
	150 pages or more

Written report

	Written in APA format: 3-5 pages of content (main body)
	Papers should include four major sections: the Title Page (1), Abstract (1), Main Body (3-5), and References (1) for a total of 6 to 8 pages. Pictures do not count toward main body requirement of 3 to 5 pages.

Oral book report

	Follow grading rubric
	State title and author of book
	Photo copy of book cover to show during oral report (may also be displayed in a PowerPoint)
	Tell about characters, main story line, important scenes, why others should read book

Due: __

OpenOffice free download (if you don't have Microsoft Office)

Research Report (2 per school year)

5 page (content) typed report on a science related topic (approved topics only). pdf docx

Science journals

Papers should include four major sections: the Title Page (1), Abstract (1), Main Body (5), and References (1), for a total of 8 pages.

Use your own words- plagiarism will cause your paper to be rejected. It's okay to use someone's exact words if you quote them, "____________" and cite source.

All sources in the works cited should be cited within the content of your paper.

Example:

This methodology stands in agreement with Stewart et al. who states, “ A science education should do more than instruct students with respect to the conclusions reached by scientists…science education should encourage students to develop both understandings about science as an intellectual activity and understandings of the products of science” (1992).

Report must contain works cited/resource page with at least 5 different sources; Wikipedia does not count. APA format. Use works cited/resources in alphabetical order, example: Sample APA format. Online example

Sample entry based on example above:

Stewart, J., Hafner, R., Johnson, S., & Finkel, E. (1992). Science as model building: computers and high-school genetics. Educational Psychologist, 27(3), 317–336.

Typed, double spaced, 1 inch margins, Times New Roman or Arial, 10 or 12 point font.

Proof read and use spell check prior to printing.

Follow APA format (title page, abstract, 5 pages of content/main body, references) Sample APA format (good one to print and keep in notebook)

Rubric will be used to grade paper. 2nd semester will be presented in a PowerPoint format

Due: #1 ______ Grading rubric ; #2 _______ Grading rubric

2nd semester will be presented in a PowerPoint format to the class. Students will need to bring their presentation to class on a flash drive for submission at least one full day prior to presenting.

Common mistakes found in student research papers:

Improper spacing and/or font size

Not citing quotations properly or at all

Resources are not referenced within text

	You should type the sentence and then use author and date, i.e. (Adams, 2009).
	If author's name is already mentioned within the sentence then date is included in parenthesis, i.e. (2009) in the sentence.

Many threw in web addresses… not correct format. See above.

If it’s not common knowledge, cite it.

Majority of writing not in students own words

copy & paste without citing properly

Research was written in 1st person, should be written in 3^rd person

Research paper should not contain personal opinions, only factual material based on evidence from research

Too many photos; photos cannot replace text requirement

Too short; does not meet page requirement

Resource page contained nothing more than web addresses, or citations not in alpha order

Not following APA Format

Typed Lab Reports

Typed lab reports for formal labs using the complete format of scientific method.

Font: 10 to 12 pt only. Please use an easy to read font (i.e. Calibri, Times New Roman, or Ariel).

Do not use slang in your reports. Write using correct verbiage and punctuation.

Proof read and always use SPELL CHECK before printing!

Special Assignments and/or Projects

Honors portfolio/writing assignments will be posted on the daily assignment page with instructions and due dates.

See below for details

Final Student Portfolio

**Students turn in their Interactive Notebooks (INB) at the end of the school year for the portfolio requirement. Student must maintain the table of contents for each unit and make sure first and second semester INB is complete works without missing pages. INB will be graded using a rubric.

Save your best work throughout the entire year

Include one entry (representation of your best work that you've completed in class) for each State Standard addressed as it applies to Biology (so save your returned & graded work!).

New Science Standards for Secondary Science: Biology I Honors NGSSS

**This link will be helpful to assemble your portfolio and cite standards correctly

One page typed reflection required for each unit in your Interactive Notebook (INB)

Coloring Book/Reference Workbooks click here

Email ME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS

Please include your name and period in all correspondence.

Last modified: December 08, 2011