Term project | Sample Data | Final report content & format | Grading form.pdf | Background topics | Identification references

Final report content & format

1.   See the Stylesheet for title page and format

2.   Six (maximum) content pages. The text should consist of a student-worded analysis of your research during long hours in a library and in the lab.

      a.     Background. A review of literature on some aspect of aquatic ecosystems. (Click on this link for possible topics.) Put everything in your own words with the proper citation in parentheses: do not quote directly from other works. (12 pts)

      b.     Materials and Methods. Include water source and microscope and camera equipment used. (5 pts)

      c.     Results. Use prose to describe results and reference tables or graphs that illustrate your description. Do not just show raw data. (11 pts)

               1.   Tables summarizing observations you have posted in your log. You must include a table of primary producers that you saw.

               2.   Graph(s) of population changes. A minimum of two graphs is required. Primary producers must be included in one graph.

      d.     Discussion (12 pts)

               i.    An in-depth discussion on at least one of the organisms you observed. Put everything in your own words with the proper citation in parentheses: do not quote directly from other works.

                     a)     Include its scientific name.

                     b)    Classification to its known level: Domain; Kingdom; Phylum; Class; Order; Family; Genus; Species

               ii.   Discuss the changes that occurred in your MicroAquarium over the past nine weeks. Note factors that might have influenced these changes.

              iii.  Compare your data with another group’s data. What was their sample? ______ Explain differences.

      e.     Literature cited page. Include resources used in identifying organisms and information sources for your background discussion. Include 6 references in correct format. You must use at least 3 journal articles; all references may not be books and websites. References must be cited somewhere in the content. Do not include references prior to 1980. (6 pts)

In-text citations are noted with a number in parentheses corresponding to the number of the reference in your Literature Cited page.

3.   Three figures.

      a.    Each figure must have a legend.

      b.    Refer to each figure in the body of the text.

      c.    Figures can include one photograph or picture, food chain, phylogenetic tree; calculations; or graph. A figure can have (no more than) two parts. (9)

4.   General form: (5)

Attach this page to your report.

Followed all directions explicitly with no exceptions.

Typed, double spaced.

Presentation is neat and orderly throughout.

Spelling and grammar are faultless.

Grade Structure for Term project.

1.     Set-up and initial observations -4 pts

2.     Regular log entries observations over nine weeks -4 pts each for a maximum of 36 pts

3.     Written report -60 pts