Objective: During spring semester of this course, class participants will develop middle-grade curricular modules based on scientific topics considered during the first and second semesters of the course.  The term paper for this semester is designed to help you acquire content knowledge in an Earth Science area that you might use for development of these inquiry-based curricular modules in the spring.  (Please note that completion of the term paper will not "lock" you into a particular topic for the spring; you may choose a different area for curriculum development next semester if you wish).

Assignment: For an Earth Science topic that we are considering this semester, compose a 10-12 page document containing scientific background information on this topic.  Prepare your paper as if it will accompany a set of curricular materials on the topic that will be used in middle school classrooms.  Specifically, write your paper so that it would be helpful to a middle school teacher who needs additional scientific content knowledge before implementing an accompanying curricular module. 

Your paper may address an Earth Science topic with which you are already somewhat familiar, but it should include significant components describing: (a) interdisciplinary aspects of the topic that are beyond your current area of expertise and (b) the connection between the topic and society.  References should include peer-reviewed journal articles (including both cutting edge results from expert-oriented scientific journals and more accessible articles from the popular scientific press, such as Scientific American, Geology, etc.).  References should also include at least five online resources that teachers could share with students who request additional background information.  (Please be sure that these resources are from reputable sources).  Your final paper should be typed, double-spaced, in 12 point Times font with standard margins.

Your final paper should be typed, double-spaced, in 12 point Times font with standard margins.

Grading: Papers will be graded based on a weighted average of three parts: a one page topic description (10%), a first draft (20%), and the final paper (70%).  These items will be due as follows:

             Topic selection – Monday, October 10 (1-page description of topic and a preliminary list of references)
             First draft due – Monday, November 14
             Final version due – Monday, December 5 

Late papers will not be accepted.