Scientific Literacy and Communication
This assignment consists of three tasks. Each writing task in this assignment connects together in succession to help you gradually build your scientific writing skills from initial research to final revision. Your main goal with these assignment tasks is to create a thorough and thoughtful review of a pressing environmental issue by using the most up-to-date/recent publications in scientific literature.
Your task for this assignment is to research an environmental issue of your choice. There are many issues that cause damage to the environment. The following list is a small selection of these issues. Some examples include:
Global warming
Climate change
Increasing population
Animal extinction
Ozone layer depletion
Deforestation
Pollution (air/ water/ soil)
Plastic garbage
Drinking water and sanitation
Issues affecting the food industry and agriculture
Scientific Literacy and Communication
You may choose an environmental issue of your choice. You may also select an environmental issue that is not currently on this list. However, make sure that the issue you choose to research has sufficient recent publications before you proceed with your assignment. If you are unsure if the environmental issue you would like to research is
appropriate, please reach out to your instructor.
Task 1: Annotated Bibliography (5%)
The first step to completing a review on a topic is to conduct thorough background research. In an annotated bibliography, you are expected to give a short outline (150 – 200 words) of the identified paper/research. You must include a minimum of five (5) primary academic sources. Your summary should include at least one piece of
information that clearly shows how the article contributes to the point you are trying to make in your final paper (Note: no more than 250 words per source). During this task you will choose one Environmental issue to explore in greater depth. You will then develop an annotated bibliography containing five (5) primary academic
sources and a thesis or topic idea. You may choose to use the template provided or use one of your own formatting.
Your annotated bibliography must use APA 7th Edition and the appropriate uses of formatting and citing.
Scientific Literacy and Communication
What is an annotated bibliography?
An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to sources (books, articles, films, websites, etc.) that you’ve used when researching a topic. An annotated bibliography includes a summary and evaluation of each source usually between 150-200 words. These annotations are written in paragraph form and for the purposes of this class
should include the following information:
1. An explanation of the main purpose of the source
2. A short summary of key findings or arguments of the source
3. The academic/intellectual credentials of the source. Does it appear in peer-reviewed
journals? Is the author someone who has expertise in the area?
4. Are there any shortcomings or biases?
5. The value of this work as a contribution to the topic you’re exploring.