REPORT OF INFORMATION
Introduction
Research and other written information are very important in the field of biotechnology. All learning and scientific research builds on previous knowledge gained by researching what others have hypothesized, theorized, validated, and established as an accepted knowledge base.
In a Report of Information you will research a DNA-related topic by finding information in at least three different sources. You will want to look at the origins of the discovery, the important people involved, the latest developments, the significance to people and to society, and the implications for the future. Your report will be three to four pages in length and will include a bibliography at the end to show the resources used to find the information.
Objectives
* to research information on a given topic
* to explore a DNA-related topic
* to reflect on that topic as it relates to you and to others in your society
* to learn how to use library resources
* to learn how to use reference materials and bibliographies
* to understand how to write a bibliography listing the sources you used in writing your report
Materials
* Library reference materials
* CD ROM
* books, magazines, encyclopedias
* SIRS files
* writing and spelling tools
* computers
Characteristics Of A Report Of Information Essay
* Controlling idea or Introduction of topic: What is the subject? Perhaps you could give an example of what the topic means or includes. This paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that makes a general statement about the topic. It should be followed by supporting sentences that introduce the topic, then a concluding sentence.
* Elaborated support for topic: Successful reports of information include a variety of elaboration strategies, such as examples, facts, statistics, and details. The following outlines some guiding questions you may want to ask about your topic:
A. Origins or discovery: Who were some early pioneers in
this field of study? When were breakthroughs made?
Who made them? Perhaps you have some information
about some early successes in this field of study.
B. What does work in this field involve? Who does the work?
How much education is needed? What kind of education is needed?
Where is the work done? How is it funded?
C. What are the latest developments or discoveries in this field of
study? Who made them? When were they made? Under what
circumstances and when were these discoveries made?
D. What significance does this field of study or endeavor have for
society? How can people benefit from work done in this field?
E. What are the implications for future society? What does the latest research
say about the implications?
* Conclusion: How much do scientists really know about this topic? Is
enough research being done in this area? Why or why not? What should be
done about it?
* Organized Pattern of Development: The writer's choice of organizational patterns depends upon the purpose, content, and audience. The writer may choose a framework for organization, such as chronological order, sequential, or general to specific.
* Stance: The writer of a report of information maintains a professional, authoritative stance of providing information to his audience.
Suggested Procedure For Writing Process
* Choose three possible topics from the list of topics given. The choice can be governed by what you are interested in, what you may already know, and what your fellow students will be interested in reading.
* Extend these possibilities to include the aim and approach you will take with these topics. Answer the questions: What do I already know about this topic? What do I want to find out about it? What might others want to know about it?
* Using the pre-writing information, choose your methods of research. Think about finding the most up-to-date information possible. Remember that the purpose of your report is to increase your readers' understanding and interest in your topic.
* Write your first draft.
* Evaluate your own paper using the following questions:
1) What did you learn from reading this paper?
2) How does the writer engage the reader's interest?
3) Is the report easy to follow? If not, what would help make it easier?
4) What additional information is needed for a more complete understanding of the
topic?
5) What information is not relevant to this report?
6) What might make this paper more effective as a report of information?
* Have a partner evaluate your paper by using the same questions. Discuss the paper with your partner with the intent of revising the paper.
* With your partner's advice and your own goals for the paper in mind, revise your paper.
* Be sure to reference your paper properly with footnotes and a bibliography, as your teacher specifies
REPORT OF INFORMATION
List of Topics
Genetically Transmitted Diseases/Traits In-Vitro Fertilization
Tay Sachs Disease
Huntington's Disease Biotechnology
Alzheimer's Disease
Adenosine Deaminase Blood-sucking Insects
Dwarfism
Twins Jurassic Age
Hemophilia
Cystic Fibrosis Artificial Intelligence
Muscular Dystrophy
Down's Syndrome Androids
Sickle Cell Anemia
Baldness Plate Techtonics
Albinism
PKU Disease Genetic Counseling
Tourrette Syndrome
Cockayne's Syndrome Gene Therapy
Marfan's Syndrome
ALD Genetic Engineering
Cryogenics
Amniocentesis
Charles Darwin
Albert Einstein
Other_________________________
Marie Curie
(If you have a related topic that is
Extinction Theory not included on this list, you may
propose your topic of choice to
Paleontology your teacher for approval.)
Earth Chronology
Fossil dating
Fossilization
Cloning
Euthanasia