Physical Geology
GEOL 121B – Easter 2015
Research Paper Grading Rubric
Purpose: Thoroughly investigate a geologic topic that strongly interests you
Increase your understanding and comprehension of physical geology
Continue developing technical, scientific writing skills
Grading Rubric:
Introduction (10 pts): This section should establish the context of your topic within the field of geology, as well as explain why it is an important topic to pursue.
Discussion (50 pts): This section is the main “meat” of your research paper. It can and should be subdivided differently depending on your topic of choice. When it comes time to write your discussion, feel free to meet with me regarding a relevant structure for your specific geologic topic. Your discussion should include at least 5 figures that effectively illustrate the concepts touched on in your paper, which should be inserted directly in line with text.
Conclusions (10 pts): This section should summarize the discussion of your geologic topic, and it should be able to stand alone. If someone chooses to read your conclusions because they are unfamiliar with the topic, they would should come away with a cursory knowledge on your research interest and its significance for geology.
References Cited (5 pts): This section should include at least 5 references, properly cited as directed in the Shakerag Hollow lab report. These resources should be textbooks, scientific papers, legitimate educational websites (i.e. not Wikipedia), and relevant articles.
In addition to the key points on effective technical, scientific writing provided for the Shakerag Hollow lab report (all of those still apply here!), it important to remember that you will be synthesizing the work of several resources. This should not include quoting your resources verbatim; you should strive to put the material in your own words and reference the source every time you include their information in your paper.
Your research paper should be typed (12 pt. Times New Roman font), double-spaced with standard 1-inch margins. It should include a cover page with a descriptive title and your name, date, and course information below. Please include a header with your last name and page number. There is no minimum page number requirement, but a complete and thorough discussion of your geologic topic of choice will likely require at least 8-10 pages (including figures). Spelling and grammar errors will result in lost points, so proof-read carefully!
The 3 mass wasting events are as follows:1964 United States (Alaska) 1964 Alaska landslides
1980 United States (Washington) Mount St. Helens rock slide-debris avalanche 1983 United States (Utah) Thistle debris slide
Each event is to be analyzed and explained thoroughly and completely. In total there is to be 5 outside sources. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THESE SOURCES ARE VIABLE AND TRUSTED. DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA. ONLY USE SOURCES WITH .gov or .edu. Citations are to be in MLA format. Please also include a total of 5 images. The images must be cited correctly along with the sources. The images must be placed in line with the text and they must correspond with the topic. The rubric provided needs to be followed correctly.
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|