Year 10 Science: Issues in Science Internet Search

The aim of this project is to learn effective skills in searching the Internet and to critically analyse information in relation to an issue in Science. To complete the project you must first identify an issue relating to genetics or biotechnology. A good starting point would be the website www.biotechnology.gov.au, which contains information about a number of issues and developments.

You will then use the Internet to find at least four scientific sources of information and related articles. (A maximum of eight articles can be included.) Be sure to pick a topic that is relatively popular in the media and thus is easier to find different resources for.

Your report will include an analysis of the sources of information and arguments that you have found as well as an explanation of the science behind the issue. You must be sure to get evidence and opinions from both sides of the argument.

The report

You will present your report as a series of Internet pages submitted on a single CD ROM, a USB memory stick or, with the approval of your teacher, as a zipped folder submitted on to the school portal. You can use Word , Front Page, Dreamweaver or any other HTML publishing program to create the pages. You should include any useful links that you have found in your pages. All diagrams and text should be sourced with correct links. Your opening page must not be in a folder and should be called index.htm. All of your work must be able to be accessed from links off this page. Pages that are not accessible in this way will not be assessed.

You are responsible for the correct back up of your work: lost or damaged disks are not a valid excuse for the non-submission of work. Disks must contain only this project and be virus free: if not you are in danger of losing your work. Marks will be deducted if a virus is found!

Some class time may be available to use the computer room but you will be expected to do a majority of the work in your own time.

Your web pages should include:

• An in-depth introduction to the scientific principles behind the issue (aimed at a broad year 10-12 audience).
• A summary of the main arguments presented in relation to the issue.
• Your views and opinion of the issue.
• An analysis of each site in terms of: a) the scientific content b) the detail provided c) the accessibility of the language used d) the credibility of the site e) the bias or impartiality of the site. You may wish to develop a rating system for the sites to assess each of the above points. Working links to the sites which you discuss must be included.
• Correct citation of all resources used (including diagrams).

Issues

Any genetics or biotechnology issue is possible provided that it is current, information is easily accessible and it is a debatable issue. The topic must be approved on the planning form by your teacher prior to commencement.

Evaluating resources

A number factors must be considered when evaluating the resources that you find on the internet.

• Accuracy: How reliable and free from error is the information? Are there editors and fact checkers? Almost anyone can publish on the web; there is no standard to ensure the accuracy of information.
• Authority: What are the author's qualifications for writing on the subject? How reputable is the publisher? Often it is difficult to determine the authorship of web resources.
• Objectivity: Is the information presented with a minimum of bias? To what extent is the information trying to sway the opinion of the reader rather than objectively setting out the facts. Web sites often function as a virtual soapbox; the goals or aims of groups presenting information are not always stated.
• Currency: Is the information up to date? Dates are not always included on web pages; if they are it may be the date of publication or a more recent revision. With many contempory science issues, the rapid development of technologies means that the information published may date quickly.
• Coverage: What topics / issues / opinions are included in the work? To what depth are these topics explored?

Satisfactory completition

The project will not be marked as satisfactory unless:

• A plan has submitted electronically and approved.
• A draft has been submitted no later than the due date for final submission.
• A mark of at least 14 out of 35 has been received.

Assessment criteria

The project is assessed on the following criteria:

• Clarity and explanation of relevant scientific principles presented (with appropriate explanation and diagrams) in introduction /9
• Clarity, explanation and extent of arguments for and against /5
• Justification of your views and opinion /3
• Complete analysis and evaluation of resources /7
• Presentation of web pages (Clear to read, appropriate layout, structured working links) /3
• Correction citation of resources (All diagrams and information sourced with links) /3
• Depth of research (Number of different sources, usefulness of sources, relevance of sources to original issue) /5
• Planning and drafting /5

Planning form to be completed by: February 16 or March 23

Draft to be completed by: March 20 or April 27

Final project to be completed by: April 27 or May 19

Assessment sheet