Introduction
Fossil Fuels provide the energy for your highly technological life! They power your cars, the lights in your house, your refrigerator, AC unit, stoves, washing machine, not to mention your video game consoles, cell phones, computers, and Netflix accounts.
Every time you flip a switch or press a button, the effect seems instant, but it actually took millions of years for that to take place.
Fossil fuels are technically any type of hydro carbon that we burn for energy. Some common examples include: Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Coal. These different fuels formed in different environments, are used in different ways, but they were all millions of years in the making, and we WILL eventually run out of them.
Task
The goal for this assignment is to conduct research on different types of fossil fuels. You will choose one type of fossil fuel to investigate. Look into how it is formed, How we extract it, and its impact on the environment.
To show your understanding of the topic, you will:
Write a 2-3 page research paper, doubled-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font. Include at least two sources with M.L.A. citations, and a works cited page.
Due Date:
Rough Draft - Wednesday, October 25th
Final Draft - Friday, October 27th
Process
Today, you will work with a small group of 2-3 of your peers, and collaborate to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels. Use the following websites to support your ideas. Remember, to use your own words, and provide evidence to support your claims.
1) Check out the following website:
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/petroleum/
Focus on the following sections:
- Formation of Petroleum
- Petroleum Reservoirs
- Oil Platforms
- People and Petroleum
- Petroleum Alternatives
2) This is a another great resource:
http://energy4me.org/all-about-energy/what-is-energy/energy-sources/petroleum/
3) Coal is the number one fossil fuel used in the United States. Here is a good resource:
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/coal/
Focus on the following sections:
- Introduction
- Coal and Carbon Emissions
- Advantages and Disadvantages
4) This is also a helpful website. Just ignore the "kids corner," I know you all are grown up. The content is useful!
https://c03.apogee.net/contentplayer/?coursetype=kids&utilityid=pseg&id=16200
Evaluation
|
Paper |
Possible Points |
Awarded Points |
|
|
Organization |
How is the paper organized? Does it flow nicely or are there abrupt changes? Are different topics separated by paragraphs? |
10 |
|
|
Plagiarism |
Paper must be your own words, or no more than 10% cited quotes. To receive the most points, there should be no directly copied sentences that are uncited. |
10 |
|
|
Grammar/ Punctuation |
Paper should use correct grammar, punctuation, spelling and writing rules. |
5 |
|
|
Tone/Style |
Does the paper show a consistent writing style? Are the paragraphs similar in structure? The paper should be consistent throughout (i.e. One paragraph is long and detailed while others are short and abrupt.) This is the most unique part of the paper, showing how you write and your personal style. |
10 |
|
|
Introduction |
Does the introduction show your thesis? It should have enough detail to capture the reader’s interest and hint on what information you are going to share. |
5 |
|
|
Conclusion |
Does it wrap up your paper, reminding the reader of what they have been told? |
5 |
|
|
Use of Quotes (citation) |
If you have included any quotes, are they correctly cited and included in your bibliography? Or, you did not use any quotes. |
5 |
|
|
Sub-total for Paper |
50 |
|
|
|
Bibliography |
|
|
|
|
Number of sources |
Did you include at least 2 sources? |
5 |
|
|
Appropriateness of sources |
Were all your sources reputable and accurate? No Wikipedia, Google, Yahoo, etc. |
2 |
|
|
MLA/APA format |
Your bibliography should be in either MLA or APA format. You will be marked down if you have simply included URL’s instead of an appropriate bibliography. |
3 |
|
|
Sub-total for Bibliography |
10 |
|
|
|
Sources |
|
|
|
|
Printed and attached |
Sources should all be printed and attached to your paper. I should be able to find most of your information from your paper in a source. |
5 |
|
|
Highlighted |
This paper requires you to highlight your sources, so you can easily find useful information. I expect your sources to be highlighted with information that you used in your paper. Not all highlighting needs to be included in the paper, but all information in your paper needs to be highlighted. |
10 |
|
|
Sub-total for Sources |
15 |
|
|
|
Outline |
|
|
|
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Organization |
Your outline is your organization tool for your paper. Each heading should be a different paragraph or sub-topic in your paper. I should be able to match your outline to your paper for details and organization. |
15 |
|
|
Citation |
Every fact in your outline should be cited. If you have multiple facts for a topic from one source, you cite the topic. Just remember, the reader should be able to easily move from your outline to the source where the fact was found |
10 |
|
|
Sub-total for Outline |
25 |
|
|
|
Sub-Total for all sections |
100 |
|
|
|
Penalty |
A late penalty of 10% per day late will be subtracted from your subtotal. |
|
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Final Grade |
100 |
|
|
Conclusion
To show your understanding of the topic, you will:
Write a 2-3 page research paper, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font. Include at least two sources with MLA citations, and a works cited page. Do yourself a favor and do NOT procrastinate!
Due Date:
Rough Draft - Wednesday, October 25th
Final Draft - Friday, October 27th
Good Luck!:) If you have any questions, text me (714) 466-0697 or email me at strapp@pylusd.org