Biology Writing Requirements

Meeting Rigor & Relevance Requirements in Science

Pre-AICE Biology & Biology I Honors

Educate for

Practicing Science Literacy

	Science Journals
	Write summary of current event using PSL sheet pdf / word
	If you are writing a summary based on an online article, please print out article and staple to PSL sheet.

Book Reports: Biology Reading List click here

Choose a science related book for 1st/2nd semester reading requirement

Check out book from a library or purchase

	Only approved books
	You may choose a book that is not on the list, but it must not be a book you are reading, or have already read, for another class
	150 pages or more

Written report (1st semester)

	Written in APA format: 3-5 pages of content (main body)
	Papers should include four major sections: the Title Page, Abstract, Main Body, and References.

Oral book report (2nd semester)

	Follow grading rubric
	State title and author of book
	Photo copy of book cover to show during oral report (may also be displayed in a PowerPoint)
	Tell about characters, main story line, important scenes, why others should read book

Due: #1 November __, 2010 and #2 May __, 2011

Typed Lab Reports

Typed lab reports for formal labs using the complete format of scientific method.

Font: 10 to 12 pt only. Please use an easy to read font (i.e. Calibri, Times New Roman, or Ariel).

Do not use slang in your reports. Write using correct verbiage and punctuation.

Proof read and always use SPELL CHECK before printing!

Special Assignments and/or Projects

Honors portfolio/writing assignments will be posted on the daily assignment page with instructions and due dates.

See below for details

OpenOffice free download (if you don't have Microsoft Office)

Research Report (2 per school year)

5 page (content) typed report on a science related topic (approved topics only). pdf docx

Papers should include four major sections: the Title Page, Abstract, Main Body, and References.

Use your own words- plagiarism will cause your paper to be rejected. It's okay to use someone's exact words if you quote them, "____________" and cite source.

All sources in the works cited should be cited within the content of your paper.

Example:

This methodology stands in agreement with Stewart et al. who states, “ A science education should do more than instruct students with respect to the conclusions reached by scientists…science education should encourage students to develop both understandings about science as an intellectual activity and understandings of the products of science” (1992).

Report must contain works cited page. (follow APA format) Use works cited/references in alphabetical order, examples found on the "writing reports" page of this website.

Sample entry based on example above:

Stewart, J., Hafner, R., Johnson, S., & Finkel, E. (1992). Science as model building: computers and high-school genetics. Educational Psychologist, 27(3), 317–336.

	Typed, double spaced, 1 inch margins, times new roman or arial, 10 or 12 point font.
	Proof read and use spell check prior to printing.
	Follow APA format (title page, abstract, 5 pages of content, works cited) Sample APA format (good one to print and keep in notebook)
	Rubric will be used to grade paper.
	Due: #1 November __, 2010; #2 April __, 2011

Common mistakes found in student research papers:

Improper spacing and/or font size

Not citing quotations properly or at all

Resources are not referenced within text

	You should type the sentence and then use author and date, i.e. (Adams, 2009).
	If author's name is already mentioned within the sentence then date is included in parenthesis, i.e. (2009) in the sentence.

Many threw in web addresses… not correct format. See above.

If it’s not common knowledge, cite it.

Majority of writing not in students own words

copy & paste without citing properly

Research was written in 1st person, should be written in 3^rd person

Research paper should not contain personal opinions, only factual material based on evidence from research

Too many photos; photos cannot replace text requirement

Too short; does not meet page requirement

Resource page contained nothing more than web addresses, or citations not in alpha order

Not following APA Format

Final Student Portfolio

**Students have the option to turn in a year end portfolio based on the requirements below OR turn in their amazing Interactive Notebooks (INB). If INB is chosen for this requirement, student must make sure both first and second semester INB's are complete works without missing pages. Either choice will be graded using a rubric and both will receive the same point value.

Save your best work throughout the entire year

Include one entry (representation of your best work that you've completed in class) for each State Standard addressed as it applies to Biology (so save your returned & graded work!).

New Science Standards for Secondary Science: Biology I Honors NGSSS

**This link will be helpful to assemble your portfolio and cite standards correctly

One page typed reflection required for each of your 11 entries.

All entries must show correlation with a specific standard. All standards for Biology I Honors are listed below and can be located online Next Generation Biology .

The following list contains the the correct standards for your table of contents:

	Standard 1: The Practice of Science
	Standard 2: The Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge
	Standard 3: The Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models
	Standard 4: Science and Society
	Standard 6: Earth Structures
	Standard 7: Earth Systems and Patterns
	Standard 14: Organization and Development of Living Organisms
	Standard 15: Diversity and Evolution of Living Organisms
	Standard 16: Heredity and Reproduction
	Standard 17: Interdependence
	Standard 18: Matter and energy Transformations

The portfolio format:

Template: pdf docx

Portfolio should be in a half inch 3-ring binder or appropriate report folder

Cover/title page with your name, period, date, and Biology I Honors or Pre-AICE Biology

Table of Contents - list standard and page number

Section dividers for each standard

Example of graded class work which represents the standard and NGSSS

One page typed reflection on the work represented for each standard

This reflection should encompass what you have learned from the chosen project/lab/assignment as well as how you could apply this information to a future life-skill.

Reference page cited in APA format (alphabetical order)

Due: May __, 2011

Coloring Book/Reference Workbooks click here

Email ME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS

Please include your name and period in all correspondence.

Last modified: September 01, 2010