Weekly Science News writeup

Every other week, Science News is published and contains the latest scientific results and breakthroughs in all scientific fields, from biology to psychology.  This very short journal summarizes the science in layperson’s language and is very accessible to the non-scientist. 

For the remainder of the semester, you will have a weekly assignment due on Wednesday each week.  Read through the current Science News and pick one story or article that interested you. In a few paragraphs (150-300 words) summarize the article and state why you found it interesting, the implications for society, and what you learned about the culture of science.  Include the journal volume and issue, the journal date, the article’s title and author (if appropriate) and the page the article is on. You will do two articles from each issue.

Note: Science News does have a website, but I do NOT want you using that for this assignment.  Use the paper copy and read or skim through the entire magazine to find a story of interest.  I want you to use the paper version so you see everything available; the website only includes part of the paper journal. 

So your assignment:

1. Every other week, go to SW115, pick up a copy of Science News and read through to find an article of interest.  Feel free to take a copy home or read the lab copy that will always be available in that room. 

2. Include a full citation. (Author, Title, Science News, Volume (Issue), Page #)

3. Write a one-sentence summary of what the science of the article is, a short paragraph on why you found it interesting, a few sentences on what the implications for society are, and a sentence or two on what this article taught you about science culture. 

Turn in your assignment via email or hard copy on Wednesday each week.  First one is due September 11.

Grading: 5 points per assignment: 1 point for summary, 1 point for why it was interesting, 1 point for implications and science culture, 1 point for citation, and 1 point for spelling/grammar.