Selecting and annotating an
article:
The article you choose must be from a credible,
recent (2002-present), periodical source of scientific information. The
article must be related to biology, and should be written for a
scientifically
literate audience (not for a general audience). The article should be
at least three pages in length. As you read the article, annotate it
with your thoughts,
comments, or questions. An annotated copy of the article must be
submitted along with your summary. Acceptable
scientific journals include: American Journal of Psychotherapy, American
Midland Naturalist, American Scientist, Bioscience, Discover, Journals
of Gerontology, Journal of
Athletic
Training, The Lancet, Nature, Neurology, Public Library of Science
(PLoS), Science, and
Scientific American.
If you have questions about your source or are unsure if the article
you’ve selected is acceptable, please consult with your teacher well in
advance of the assignment due date.
Writing your summary:
You are required to organize your summaries using the following sections.
0. Your name,
class period, and date of assignment
1. Bibliographical
information in APA format (Use Hacker manual for formating
info):
Author, Title, Publication
Source, Publication Date, Page numbers of article, etc.
2. Abstract/Introduction:
In a short paragraph (<200
words), explain the main idea(s) or purpose(s) for this article and
explain
why the subject is important.
Define or describe relevant and/or new terms used in the article.
3. Summary:
What was the article all about?
Summarize the main concepts and ideas that were discussed. The
summary should be detailed and
specific. It should summarize the entire article and should have
many paragraphs; each paragraph
describes and summarizes one main concept of article. The
summary must demonstrate your
understanding of the article’s content.
4. Evaluation:
a. Discuss the quality of the
article from your perspective as a student of biology. What was learned
from the
article? Why did you choose this article and/or article subject?
Personal impressions and thoughts
about the article's
content, author's point of view, data, etc.
b. Explain, with a significant
elaboration to demonstrate understanding:
i. How the
concepts in the article relate to one or more of the major ‘themes’ in
biology. Cite
specific evidence from your article to demonstrate
article’s relevance to theme(s).
Structure & function Ecology
Homeostasis
Development
Evolution
Continuity
Energy
Science, Technology, & Society
ii. How
article demonstrates (or does not demonstrate) sound experimental
design.
Other reminders:
•All summaries must be typed, and be at least 2 full pages in length
using 12 pt font, 0.5” margins all around
•An annotated copy of the article should be attached (not entire
journal, periodical)
•Due every 3 weeks (on a Friday,usually) at the beginning of class.
•Two summaries per quarter comprise 25% of each quarter grade! DO
EXCELLENT WORK!
•May be accepted up to 1 day late for 60% credit. ’Late’ includes
summaries turned in after your
scheduled class period. If you are tardy to class on
the day the assignment is due, your summary is
considered late, and will receive 60% credit. (anticipate and eliminate technological
problems!)