Term+2+Discussions

Welcome to the term two discussion boards! This is the place where you will be posting what you wonder about in the world around you, in relation to science of course!

-1 starting posts on any science-related topic that interests you. It must be original and not overlap with other starting posts. -1 reply to a starting post -You are more than welcome to contribute MORE to online discussions, however, only your substantial posts will be marked. -When online posting are due, you will copy and paste the whole discussion thread and email it in for submission.
 * ONE STARTER & ONE REPLY POST: **

TO ADD A STARTING POST: Click on the "Discuss" Section below
 * Starting Posts: ** To start your discussion post, click on "Discuss" below. Put a title for your discussion and put as much info into your posting. Is there some back story to your question and why you wonder about it? Where did your idea come from? Why do you wonder about this? Do not simply post a question. List some possible hypothesis of what you think may be the answer to your question.

TO REPLY TO POST: Click on the "Add a Comment" under the post you want to comment under. This will keep all the posts together and make it more clear as to what it relates to.
 * Replies: **These are researched answers to others' posts. You must reference any of your researched material, but, may also include personal opinion. These posts must have **at least** two reference.

**Floating Posts**: Any "floating" comments/posts will not be considered towards your grade, but you are more than welcome to add comments or ideas to other posts.

Quality over quantity. Follow the "Seven C's" to help you in writing quality posts. Below, a rubric shows how your posts will be graded.


 * THE 7 C’s: CRITERIA APPLIED TO WRITTEN REFLECTIONS INCLUDE WHETHER IT IS: **

1. CLEAR <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•Clarity of expression; literacy.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">2. CONCISE <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•Have arguments been made as simply as possible? <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•Is there any unnecessary repetition or inclusion of irrelevant points?

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">3. COMPREHENSIVE <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•Has the topic been covered thoroughly/ fully? <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•Has the question been answered fully? <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•Have any key points been left out?

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">4. COHESIVE <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•Are the ideas connected? <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•Are the arguments developed logically?

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">5. CORRECT <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•Are statements of fact correct? According to whom? Are references provided where needed?

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">6. CRITICAL <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•Is information/ideas evaluated critically? <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•Is there an attempt to analyze, evaluate, or draw conclusions?

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">7. CREATIVE <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•How original are the arguments, ideas? <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">•How creative is the content, organization, presentation, language? <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">


 * || ** 1 ** || ** 2 ** || ** 3 ** || ** 4 ** ||
 * ** Clear ** || Many sentences may be confusing and/or there are more than two spelling/grammar mistakes. || Some sentences may be confusing and/or there may be one or two spelling/grammar mistakes. || All statements are understandable with no grammatical or spelling mistakes. || All statements are understandable with a wide range of vocabulary for expression and varying lengths of sentences. ||
 * ** Concise ** || Explanations are too brief to provide enough information to support position. || Explanations may be too long in areas but provide enough information to support position. || Explanations hold enough information and are to-the-point. They effectively support writer’s position. || Explanations hold enough information and are to-the-point. They effectively support writer’s position. There is no repetition and/or irrelevant points. ||
 * ** Comprehensive ** || Less than half the issues discussed from the original post have been addressed. || Almost all of the issues discussed from the original post have been addressed. || All of the issues discussed from the original post have been addressed. || All of the issues discussed from the original post have been addressed and more information is provided for extension. ||
 * ** Cohesive ** || Middle and ending may be weak in comparison to the opening. There are some transitions and there may be some abrupt shifts. || Contains an effective beginning, and has a clear middle and end. Sequence is logical. || Thoughts run smoothly from one sentence to another with an effective beginning, middle, and end. Variety of transitions with a clear sequence. || Thoughts run smoothly from one sentence to another with an engaging beginning, middle, and end. Effective sequence and organization with smooth transitions. ||
 * ** Correct ** || Some statements may be incorrect and/or are missing references. || All statements are correct, but are missing a large number or all references. || All statements are correct but one or two may be lacking with support of references. || All statements are correct and supported with references. ||
 * ** Critical ** || Information provided only shows information gathered from research. || Information provided includes research and a synthesis of information for a final conclusion. || Information provided includes research and a synthesis of information for a final conclusion as well as input of personal opinion. || Information provided includes research and a synthesis of information for a final conclusion as well as input of personal opinion. Further suggestions of questions and areas for research are stated. ||
 * ** Creative ** ||^  ||^   ||^   ||^   ||