Biology in the News

A WebQuery for 10th Grade Biology

Byron Woods
woodsb@cwu.edu
http://www.cwu.edu/~woodsb/

Introduction

Science and tecnnology are changing the way we live and the way we view the world. Everyday news companies around the globe report on new discoveries, studies and reports. As a citiezen and a student of biology you need to stay informed. You will need to use web based newsites to find and summerize 5 articles from three news agencies concerning the science of biology. This includes topics such as global warming, ecology, biodivirsity, genetics, evolution, etc. However there is a catch you will also need to find a peer review article to compare and contrast one of your news articles. The idea is to increase you scientific literacy and be able to discern news reporting versus scientific reporting

Task

Task 1
Summaries for Five articles, 1-2 paragraphs per article. Summaries should be no more then 2 pages double spaced and typed. Print and attach articles.

Task 2
Compare and contrast 1 news article and 1 peer reviewed article (articles need to be on the same subject or closely related). Paper should be less then 2 pages double spaced and typed. Print and attach abstract of peer revied article.

The Process

Where will you start, what sites are appropriate?
What kinds of information will you need?
Where can you find it?
What can you tell about the quality of the web resources? Are these facts or opinions? What about the authority of the author?
What patterns can you detect in the information you have collected? Any similarities or differences that are important?
Is something missing? Certain perspectives?
Do you have enough information to complete the task?
If not, what else is needed?
Once you have all of the info you need, what is the best way to use it and complete the task?
Have you checked the rubric and task to make sure that you have completed all aspects of the task?

Resources

Below are links you can use, You are not limited to these

Evaluation

Use the Rubric to find out how you will be evaluated

Conclusion

Now you know where to find science in the news, you also know where to find peer reviewed articles. You also have an idea at how these articles are similar and different, and how to find more in-depth information about a topic.

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