Research Notebook

Assignment Instructions
Class, this week we read about the importance of keeping careful notes as you conduct scientific research or experiments. Remember that your scientific projects and research might take sudden and unexpected turns, or you might discover new and interesting material at any time during the research or experimental phases [1].

Thus, it is important to keep track of readings, experiments, studies, observations, etc., throughout the entire process. As we learned under Lessons, our textbook author suggests keeping a research notebook, with at least two sections, the diary and reference section.

This week, we are going to practice writing these two sections. Here is what you need to do.

TOPIC IDEAS

Pick ONE topic to research. Choose a different topic than you selected for essay one. Below are some suggestions.

Environmental issues, such as air or water pollution, global warming, plants, rainforests, energy problems or alternative solutions, population issues, drilling for oil, etc.

Health and nutrition, such as fad or high-protein diets, prescription drugs or alternative treatments, diseases or disabilities, obesity, etc.

Weather and earth science, such as flooding, sunspots or the moon’s effects on weather, cloud-seeding, or man-made rain.

Do you have another topic idea? Message me for approval.

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

First, download the attached template to your desktop and save it as the first initial of your first name, your last name, underscore (hit control and the dash key), and RN (for research notebook). Example: JSmith_RN

On page one, change your name, professor name, and date. I already included a title on the cover page and in the header.

Your diary will begin on page two. Answer at least half (7-8) of the questions provided on the attached template in complete sentences.

Your Annotated References will follow your diary. Research the topic you selected very carefully. Read Week Four Lessons for tips on how to avoid bad sources and how to find good ones! Be sure to utilize the APUS library for the majority of your sources (three or more).

Locate at least five scholarly and credible sources about your chosen topic. List the complete source information for each one in CSE style on your References page (same as we did for essay one). However, this time we are going to annotate our sources, as you might do if you were keeping a detailed research notebook. (For the purposes of this assignment, number the entries from 1 to 5 and list them in alphabetical order.)

Under each source, write a paragraph (with approximately 5 sentences) that summarizes the article. Include one direct quote with a signal phrase (for each entry). For example, Author Name claims, “quote here.”

Your recommended word count for this assignment is 500-750 words, including your diary answers and annotated reference entries and paragraphs. (The cover page and diary questions [approximately 300 words] do not count towards the word count. Deleting the diary questions and leaving only the answers on your final copy will help you achieve a lower Turnitin score.) Since you are free to answer more diary questions and do more research, you may go over your word count this time, if you wish. Do not go under.

Also…

Use specific numbers when applicable (e.g., 3 instead of several).

Use good grammar! Stay in the correct tense. Use active verbs. (Check the Grammar_Review handout under Resources for more tips.)

Your research notebook must be submitted by the end of week four (Sunday, 11:55 pm ET).

Message me if you have any questions and good luck!

The grading rubric for this assignment is attached below.

TURNITIN

DISCLAIMER: Originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results.

References

Katz, Michael J. 2009. From Research to Manuscript, A Guide to Scientific Writing. Cleveland, Ohio: Springer 205 p.