Tam Adult School

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Adult Education

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Community Education

Science Assessment

SAMPLE RESEARCH PAPER
Integrated Science Evaluative Research Paper: “Options for Electrical Energy Generation in California”

Background
The ability to make informed decisions on difficult technological and/or scientific questions will be in ever-growing demand as we move into the 21st century. The skills required to reach useful conclusions in these matters are practiced skills, which can be developed and improved over time. One of the most important goals in the Integrated Science program is to provide practice and direction in the development of these “evaluative research” skills.

In the most recent unit, on Energy Resources, we have examined both sides of a controversial scientific issue—electrical energy generation from nuclear fission. Hopefully, individuals have gained enough information and understanding about nuclear energy to make an informed decision on this issue. If nuclear fission, or any other energy source, were the answer to all our energy needs, all of California’s energy would be generated by that method.This is obviously not the case. A number of other energy sources also present possible solutions to the state’'s energy demands. As a summary to the topic, we will use the same techniques to study and evaluate non-nuclear (actually non-fission) sources of energy to meet California’s electrical needs. Working individually, you will research the history, scientific background and positives/negatives of one potential electrical energy source. Based on your findings, you will then draw a conclusion about the future potential of your energy source in meeting California’s electrical demand, both now and in the future.

Focus Questions

• What is the scientific background of your topic as an energy source for electrical generation?
• What is the current status of your topic as an electrical energy source for Californians?
• What are the future possibilites of your topic as an electrical energy source for Californians?
• What is your personal, informed conclusion about your topic as an electrical energy resource for California both now and in the near future?

Format and Requirements

• Write a four (4) -six (6) page paper, in final draft form, on your topic
• Paper must include reference citations (using the author-date system)
• Paper must include a references section with a minimum of four (4) reference sources. It is strongly recommended that you include a personal interview with someone who is an expert in your expert.
• Paper should be organized to include the following informations/topics.
  
  • Historical Background: In this section you should provide some historical perspective on the development and use of the energy option which you have examined.
  • Scientific Background: In this section you should explain/describe the basic science behind the energy option which you have researched. This should be written as if your audience was uninformed about energy and energy sources.
  • Positive/Negative Viewpoints: In this section you must describe the arguments, both for and against, the development and future use of the energy option in question. You must include as much specific data as is possible to support the arguments on both sides.
  • Conclusion and Defense: In this section you will state your personal (but by now informed) opinion on the future of the electrical energy option which you have researched. You must answer the following questions as part of your conclusion/defense:
    
    • Can your energy source meet increased energy demand due to population increases and/or changes changes due to decreases in electrical energy production from other sources?
    • Should your energy source be used to meet increased electrical energy demands and/or to replace existing electrical energy sources in California?
    You must back up your position as if you were trying to convince others who are skeptical of that opinion. Theories and specific data which support your argument should be explained, while theories/data which contradict your argument should be addressed as they might if you were making a presentation to a critical audience.

Possible Topics:
Solar heating/electricity, Wind, Geothermal, Fusion, Synthetic fuels (synfuels), Biofuels, Hydroelectric, Wave/Tidal, Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, or other idea (must be approved)

Rubric for grading this paper

SCIENCE
Student Learning Outcome #6: Demonstrate scientific literacy…
is assessed by a RESEARCH PAPER, a laboratory report, and a data analysis task. Scores of 4 or better on the rubric meet district standards for proficiency.