Ask+an+Expert

Scientists are observant and naturally curious. To work on those skills over the semester, you will be expected to communicate with experts in the field of biology. As we cover material in class and you observe things in your daily experiences, keep track of topics and ideas that are of interest to you. Use these topics to formulate questions that you would like to have answered by an expert. Questions should be well thought out, creative, focused, and not simply a factual request or a yes/no answer. For example: Bad: Is the temperature of the water along the gulf coast changing? Better: Is there a relationship between the changing water temperature along the gulf coast and the types of marine life living there and if so how does this affect us? Here’s the plan: You must submit a minimum of **__four__** questions per semester. A minimum of __two__ final products must be turned in. Fall Due dates: Deadline for submission of questions for approval – November 1, 2007 Deadline for submission of final products – December 1, 2007 Grading: Submission of original questions: total of 25 points 5 questions submitted – 5 points each (breakdown below) Questions are appropriate – 2 points Spelling and Accuracy – 1 point Appropriate expert – 2 points Final products: Total of 50 points 2 products submitted – 25 points each Email response turned in – 5 points Answer is presented in a clear and creative manner – 15 points Appropriate graphic is included to enhance answer - 5 points
 * Biology …..Ask an Expert! **
 * 1) Create a question and type it up. Questions should be checked for spelling and accuracy before submitting. Give a copy to me for approval along with the expert(s) that you plan to send it to.
 * 2) Once the question has been approved, submit it via email to an expert that you believe is qualified to give you an answer. The expert should be someone for whom you can document their credentials. Scientists, researchers, and educators might all be appropriate choices.
 * 3) You may choose to email the question to more than one expert to ensure that you receive a response.
 * 4) When you get an answer, print out the response(s). You will need to turn in the response with your final product.
 * 5) Take the information that you have received and create a presentation for the class on an 8 ½ by 11 sheet of paper. You should present the information in a creative way and not simply copy the question and answer on the paper. Your product should include a graphic to reinforce the ideas.
 * 6) Make sure that your name and period are on the back of your work and remember to turn in a copy of your original email response.