Earth Science Research

Earth Science Research

Project 1: First quarter

Students will write a 3 to 4 page research paper which will include 5 references (minimum). This paper will be turned in on www.turnitin.com

Overview:

This project will be on the comparison of two different sandstones formations in the United States. The goal is for the student to learn about the origins, formation of, and general characteristics (listed below) of two sandstone formations located in different parts of the United States. The student will then compare and contrast these formations to investigate how rock formations that make up our country were formed, how they are similar, and how they are different.

The paper should include the following:

●  History and description of the age of the of the sandstone you select (what geologic period was the sandstone created in and how was it created)

●  Description of the formation (location, size, type of sandstone; what is it made of?)

●  What have humans used the sandstone for as a resource?

●  Porosity and permeability of the sandstone

●  Types of fossils present

** We will go over each of the above topics in class before beginning the research paper to provide you adequate background information. A PowerPoint will be presented in class providing more information and will also be posted on class website for review. The PowerPoint SHOULD NOT be used as a source.

Definitions

1.  Stratigraphy:is a branch of geology which studies rock layers and layering. It is primarily used in the study of sedimentary and layered volcanic rocks.

2.  Lithostratigraphy: The element of stratigraphy that deals with the description of the rocks of the Earth based on their stratigraphic relations.

3.  Lithostratigraphic classification: The organization of rock bodies into units on the basis of their lithologic properties and their stratigraphic relations.

4.  Lithostratigraphic unit: A body of rocks that is defined and recognized on the basis of its lithologic properties or combination of lithologic properties and stratigraphic relations.
A lithostratigraphic unit may consist of sedimentary, or igneous, or metamorphic rocks. Lithostratigraphic units are observable by physical features

5.  Group - two or more formations

6.  Formation - primary unit of lithostratigraphy

7.  Member - named lithologic subdivision of a formation

8.  Bed - named distinctive layer in a member or formation

Sandstone Selections

Research Paper Guidelines

Formatting

●  Times New Roman, 12pt font, double-spaced with 1’’ margins on all sides

●  No spaces between paragraphs, indent paragraphs 5 spaces, AT LEAST 500 words.

Writing Style

●  Write in passive voice (no use of “I, we, they, etc.)

●  Write out numbers under 10 (ex. seven, eight, nine, 10)

●  No contractions such as: can’t, won’t, shouldn’t

●  Spell all abbreviations out the first time you use them, i.e. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

●  Correct paragraph construction (topic sentences, body, closing statements)

Sections of Paper

Introduction (addresses topic that will be discussed in research paper - Introduces reader to subject)

●  Body (provides detailed information about topic being addressed - Should be written in a way that a non-informed reader can easily learn and understand the content)

●  Conclusion (summarizes main points of research)

o  Sample layout for research paper

▪  Introduction

▪  Group A research

▪  Group B research

▪  Compare/ Contrast Group A and B

▪  Conclusion/ results

Reference Page and Citations

Citations should be used instead of any type of footnote or endnote. The citation should be located at the end of a sentence or paragraph and should be in the following form (Author, year).

All sources used and cited within your background research should be included in an alphabetical order (NOT numbered). The first line of an entry is NOT indented; the second and all other lines are indented. You must have 10 sources APA style (6 Edition). You may use the following website for additional information regarding APA style referencing:

●  http://www.apastyle.org/learn/quick-guide-on-references.aspx

Examples:

Fine, M. A., & Kurdek, L. A. (1993). Reflections on determining authorship credit and authorship order on faculty-student collaborations. American Psychologist, 48, 1141–1147.

Nicol, A. A. M., & Pexman, P. M. (1999). Presenting your findings: A practical guide for creating tables. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

O'Neil, J. M., & Egan, J. (1992). Men's and women's gender role journeys: Metaphor for healing, transition, and transformation. In B. R. Wainrib (Ed.), Gender issues across the life cycle (pp. 107-123). New York: Springer.

New child vaccine gets funding boost. (2001). Retrieved March 21, 2001, from http://news.ninemsn.com.au/health/story_13178.asp.

Rubric Guidelines