M A R S: Mad About Reading in Science

Science is a subject area that people often see as being removed from their daily lives; yet, their lives are in constant change due to scientific advances. It only took man about 60 years to move from the first flight to space travel carrying him to the moon. Man’s knowledge now doubles every two or three years. It is our duty to stay informed.

I believe that reading is the best way to broaden your understanding of science and how the quality of our lives can improve from scientific advances. Further, without reading, it’s difficult for one generation to transfer its knowledge to successive generations. To broaden your horizons and deepen your appreciation for the applications of science in your life, we will participate in the MARS program.

The MARS program requires you to read web articles, science magazines or journals on a consistent basis. The sources may be either print or electronic media. Sources beyond the recommended list must have prior approval.

Guidelines

  • Each article must be at least 2 pages in length not including, pictures, charts, etc.
  • Use a separate “3 x 5” or 4” x 6” index card, on the front write your name, article name, and the due date of the MARS. On the back cite your source by recording the reference citation in MLA format. Cards without citations will not be scored.
  • You may hand write or type your assignment.
  • Write twoconcise paragraphs describing (1) what you have learned and (2) describe how the information is relevant to your life on a separate sheet of notebook paper. Each paragraph MUST be 5-6 sentences in order to receive full credit.
  • Spell correctly and punctuate appropriately.
  • MARS cards will be collected at the beginning of the period on their due dates and not accepted late. Not 5 minutes, not 10 minutes, not 15 minutes.
  • Scores will be recorded as lab grades. Scored cards will not be returned.

Due Dates: 8/24-25, 9/21-22, 10/26-27, 11/16-17, 12/14-15, 1/25-26,2/22-23, 3/22-23, 4/26-27, MAKE UP MARS 5/10-11

Scoring Rubric

  • Record the title of the article, student’s name, and submission date.
/ - / 5 point
  • Answer Question 1. (5-6 sentences long)
/ - / 15 points
  • Answer Question 2. (5-6 sentences long)
/ - / 15 points
  • No more than one spelling, grammar, or punctuation error is present.
/ - / 5 points
  • Correctly record a citation using the MLA formats on the reverse.
/ - / 5 points
Total / = / 45 points

Recommended Sources

  • Science
  • Popular Science
  • Smithsonian
  • Discover
  • Scientific American
  • American Scientist
  • Nature
  • National Geographic
  • Natural History
  • Science News
  • Current Science

Citation of Sources

[Remember to double space and indent all but the first line. Give careful attention to the types and placement of punctuation.]

ARTICLE FROM A MAGAZINE MLA 4.7.6

Simons, John. "Improbable Dreams." U. S. News and World Report22 Mar. 1997: 4-7.

ARTICLE FROM A WEEKLY NEWS SERVICE MLA 4.7.6

Jost, Kenneth. "Independent Counsels Re-examined." CQ Researcher7 May 1999:

377-84.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE MLA 4.7.5

Feder, Barnaby J. "For Job Seekers, a Toll-Free Gift of Expert Advice." New York Times

22 Mar. 1994, late ed.: A1+.

ARTICLE IN A SCHOLARLY JOURNAL WITH CONTINUOUS PAGINATION MLA 4.7.1

Scotto, Peter. "Censorship, Reading, and Interpretation: A Case Study from the Soviet Union." PMLA 109 (1994): 61-70.

ARTICLE IN A SCHOLARLY JOURNAL THAT PAGES EACH ISSUE SEPARATELY MLA 4.7.2

Hallin, Daniel C. "Sound Bite News: Television Coverage of Elections, 1968-1988." Journal of Communications 42.2 (1992): 5-24.

WEB SITES

NO AUTHORMLA 4.9.2

Dutch Recipes. 9 Jun. 1998. 20 Sept. 2002 <

AUTHOR, no date MLA 4.9.2

Dawe, James. The Jane Austen Page. 27 Oct. 1999 <

ONLINE PERIODICAL MLA 4.9.4a-b

Hebel, Sara. "Appeals Court Says Colleges May Consider Applicant's Race in Striving for Diversity." Chronicle of Higher Education6 Dec. 2000. 7 Dec. 2000<