Extra Credit- paper topics

Rubric below

1. Endangered Species (see guidelines below)

2. Exotic Introduced Species (see guidelines below)

3. Renewable/ Non-Renewable Energy Paper (choose one topic below)

Hydropower

Solar Power

Biomass

Wind

Geothermal

Nuclear

Oil

Coal

Natural Gas

4. Scientist Paper (choose one scientist some have been given to you below)

Darwin- Evolution

Alfred Wallace- Evolution

Lamarck- Evolution

Wegner- Plate Tectonics

Newton – Forces and Motion

Galileo- Forces and Motion

5. Is accurate, long-range weather forecasting possible?

6. Why does our population continue to rely on natural resources when renewable sources of energy are available?

7. What is the difference between natural selection and the Biblical view of creation?

8. As the world’s population continues to grow, what will be the ‘edge’ that allows one population to survive, while another dies out?

9. What is the difference between “survival of the fittest" and evolution by natural selection?

Endangered Species Paper

You will write a research paper on an endangered species that is native to the United States. You get to pick the organism that you research. The organism could be on the Federal Endangered/Threatened Species List or the NC Endangered/Threatened Species List.

Required Information for your Organism:

  • Scientific name and all common names
  • Niche
  • Former and current range
  • Estimated population in past and present
  • History of its population decline
  • When was it listed on Endangered/Threatened Species List
  • Causes of its decline
  • How is it currently protected
  • Measures being taken to prevent extinction or increase population
  • What does the future hold

Photos and maps are encouraged.

A references page is required.

Exotic Introduced Species Paper

You will write a research paper on an exotic introduced species (preferably an invasive species). The organism that you chose to research will be chosen by you from the list below. You may choose an organism that is NOT on this list if you have prior approval by me.

Required Information for your organism:

  • Scientific name and all common names
  • Niche of organism in its native ecosystem
  • Nation/region of origin
  • Detailed history of its introduction into the United States
  • Impacts (positive and negative) on the ecosystem that it was introduced into
  • List of all native species that were impacted and how they were impacted
  • Government agency attempts/rules and regulations aimed at the control of the organism’s population
  • What does the future hold

Photos and maps are encouraged

A references page is required

Approved Species List:

CarpBarbary Sheep (Auodad)

Wild HorsesSnakehead Fish

European StarlingsBoas/Pythons in Florida

English SparrowEmerald Ash Borer

Zebra MusselTree-of-Heaven

KudzuBrown Marmorated Stink Bug

Norway RatBrown Tree Snake in Guam

NutriaCane Toad

Brown TroutWild Boar

Fire AntsLionfish

Killer BeesRusty Crayfish

Gypsy MothSea Lamprey

Chestnut BlightEuropean Hare in Australia

Ring-Necked PheasantGarlic Mustard

Rock Dove (Pigeon)Bamboo (multiple species)

Individual Assignment Rubric

NOTE: All papers must adhere to the following basic structure (an example is available both in class and on the class website):

  • Cover Page: Title, Student Name, Date
  • Two pages of content
  • Times New Roman
  • Size 12
  • One-inch margins
  • Black ink
  • Works Cited Page in proper format

Score / Structure / Content / Organization / Development / Language
4 / Follows all 7 basic structure requirements. / Answer is appropriate to the question. Content is factually correct and cited. / Clear sense of order. Begins with a thesis statement and supporting points are presented in a logical progression. / Develops each point with specific details. Answers question completely. / Uses technical and scientific terminology appropriately. No major grammatical or spelling errors.
3 / Follows at least 5 basic structure requirements. / Answer is appropriate to the question. Content may have one or two factual errors. / May lack a thesis statement, but points are presented in a logical progression. / Each point supported with some details and evidence. All important points included. / Accurate word choice. No more than 2 major errors and a few minor errors.
2 / Follows at least 3 basic structure requirements. / Content relates peripherally to the question; contains significant factual errors. / Logic of argument is minimally perceivable. Points arranged in seemingly random fashion. / Sparse details or evidence. Question only partially answered. / Ordinary word choice; use of scientific terminology avoided. Some serious errors.
1 / Does not follow the basic structure requirements. / Content unrelated to the question. / Lacks a clear organization. Reader is confused. / Statements are unsupported by any detail or explanation. / Limited vocabulary; errors impair communication.