SNC 2D Research Assignment 2008/2009

The purpose of this project is to develop research skills, demonstrate the ability to isolate interesting information from the research which supports the thesis, and synthesize the information into a short literary piece. No essay is required - the short essay will only be required for the third research assignment.

Step 1 – Select a topic from the list. If you select a topic not on the list, be sure to seek approval from the teacher before moving to step 2.

Step 2 – Research – find at least 3 good, rich sources of information.

Note - the internet has a wealth of good information and questionable information. Students should try to avoid “.com” sites and should focus on scientific journals, “.edu” and “.org” sites. Students unsure of a particular site should check with the teacher. Any internet information should be copied to a text file and submitted with their outline.

Step 2b – Information about the source The name of the source and web address should be included with the copied text. Instead of a bibliography, students need to complete the table outlining the name of the author/organization and why it is a legitimate source(Table 1). If the site does not seem legitimate, after finding out information about it, don’t use it.

Step 3 – Generating ideas from the research to develop a thesis with supporting arguments

3a – lists interesting facts/arguments/ideas in point form in the key ideas table as you read the information (Table 3).

3b – select a thesis (Table 3)

3c -group these ideas into similar themes (sub-topics) (Table 4)

3d – list the points in the appropriate column linking the point back to the source where you found that information. (Table 4)

Step 4 – Make a concluding statement based on your argument. (Table 5)

Topics:

Environmental challenges addressed through understanding of chemical substances, renewal of the Great Lakes

Neutralization of acid spills, scrubbing of waste gases in smokestacks

Development of new products/technology through understanding of chemical reactions, antacids, fire-retardant materials, soap, detergents

Rates of chemical reaction, Refrigeration, kindling

Chemicals present in , cosmetics, food products

Relate chemical reactions and rates of reactions to everyday life, ie. acid base reactions in:

film processing, food processing, fabric dyeing, hair dyeing, agriculture, wine making, pulp and paper processing, mineral processing

Careers that require knowledge of acid base processes, environmental engineering, swimming-pool maintenance

chemical disposal in Canada, dumping of car batteries in landfill sites, dumping of tires, dumping of plastics, dumping of paints, dumping of metals

Changes in lake acidity, fish population and clarity of Ontario's small Lakes
Name:______Due Date______Closure Date ______

Level 1 / Level 2 / Level 3 / Level 4 / Mark
Quantity of Research Sources / None / 1 electronic sources / 2 electronic sources / 3 electronic/ print sources / 3 electronic/print scientific sources / /10
Quality of Research Sources (Table 1) / Not provided / Some information is provided / Provided but with little detail / Provided with some detail / Table clearly indicates the validity of the sources / /20
Quality of Information as it relates to your topic (Copy of your research) / Not provided / provides very little information on the topic / provides only some information on the topic / Rich and connected to the topic / Extremely rich and connected to the thesis / /20
Essay outline information / Not complete / complete but not related to topic/thesis / somewhat related to topic/thesis / points are all related to topic/thesis / points are related to the topic/thesis and each other and suggest a good flow to the essay / /20
Essay outline Divided into appropriate themes (2nd row of table 4) / Not divided / Divided but themes not indicated / Divided but not appropriate for the themes / points divided into appropriate themes / points are divided and are related to the topic/thesis suggesting a good flow to the essay / /20
Text References (connecting the points to the research) / Not included / included but not complete / included but somewhat complete / mostly completed / completed and it is easy to find where the information was found in the research / /10

Table 1: Information about your resources

Web address / Author/ Organization / Document Title / Information about the author/organization
(why they are a legitimate source)

Table 2: Organizing Ideas Template

Topic:

Table 3

KEY IDEAS (list in point form as you read):
Thesis:

Table 4: Ideas divided into similar themes in point form with reference to source *

1st sub-topic / # / 2nd sub-topic / # / 3rd sub-topic / *
theme / theme / theme

*link these points to the specific article from your research by underlining the point in the article. Number these points on your articles and record the number in the space provided

Table 5

CONCLUSION: