Extra Credit Article Assignment Introduction Applying knowledge to understand the world around you is an important aspect of learning. This assignment is intended to direct your focus on events and topics in the news concerning earth science, and to show your understanding of the processes involved. You may have to research beyond the information presented in the articles. Due: No later than May 1st. For those wishing to turn their assignment in early I will accept them any time before this date. A paper turned in and graded early can be rewritten for a better grade. However, all comments must be addressed and the original paper must be submitted as a word document through Blackboard. I retain the right not to regrade papers if the rewrite is only a superficial attempt. Do not wait until the last week to complete the assignment. Directions Step 1: Choose one geologic event or topic reported in the news within the last year (January 17, 2023 through the present). I recommend you review the syllabus to see what we discuss in this class prior to selecting your event/topic. Earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, natural resources, public policy and politics concerning geologic events or resources, planetary geology, groundwater pollution, global warming and geology, coastal erosion, and resources are some examples. Step 2: Find articles a. Collect and read a minimum of 3 articles about your event/topic from a range of sources. These 3 articles must be current (fall within the time period given in step 1). Auxiliary information required to understand your topic is not considered an article. However, your efforts to obtain such information will be considered in calculating your grade. You will be graded on your choice of articles. They should be more than a brief newswire announcement. The same news feed repeated on different news sources do not count as separate articles. Please take a moment to review the Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart (https://adfontesmedia.com/) before selecting your sources. I want you to use sources that are based in fact and not sensational reporting. b. Remember to record the source, date, and author for the bibliography. (See below.) Where to find articles: Internet news services, government site, etc. Magazines Newspapers Step 3. Read and Discuss. Read the articles several times before attempting to write your discussion. Address the following in your discussion. a. Describe the event/issue and discuss the underlying causes. b. Discuss how the event/issue relates to geology if not immediately obvious. c. Describe and discuss the socioeconomic ramifications of the event/issue. d. Discuss any controversy or lessons learned from the event/issue. Warnings: 1. Do not quote sections or paraphrase text from articles. Quoting and paraphrasing is an indication that you haven't taken the time to fully understand the material. Read your articles several times until you feel comfortable with the content, then write. 2. An F will be given to anyone found copying material from an unreferenced source. 4. An automatic zero will be given if any text is found to be copied directly from the Internet and not included in the references. 5. If your prose is deemed unreadable then your paper will be returned without a grade for rewriting. 6. Outdated articles can be used only for auxiliary content. Otherwise 2 points will be deducted for each of your three articles that are not within the specified time. Step 4: Organize General Format: Your discussion must be typed and well-structured with the following type and format: Times New Roman or similar font @ 12 pts, Spacing must be 1x or 1.5x. Check spelling and paragraph structure. Each paragraph must have a topic sentence introducing the content of the paragraph. Length of your discussion should be no less than 1.5 pages (@1.5x spacing) and no more than 4 pages. Content, structure, and understanding is more important than length. Bibliography: At the end of your discussion, reference the articles used and any auxiliary documents used to understand the topic in your discussion. General guidelines referencing formats Online stand-alone document with no author or date given document name, (n.d.). date retrieved, site URL. Online Articles Author(s), date of publication if available, title, date retrieved, site URL. Periodical Author(s), date of publication, title, journal, volume, pages. Book Author(s), date of publication, title, edition, publisher, location, pages.