Group research project
Assignment: Choose a topic from the list below. If your group would rather choose a
different topic then present it to me with an annotated bibliography by the end of the first
week. Research must include articles from refereed sources (e.g. journals and
publications). You mission is research the topic, write a collaborative wiki paper, and
present your findings to the class. You will be given a wiki site where you can collaborate
on writing your paper.
Grade will be based on:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Quality of research: Determined from the content of items 3 and 4.
Group contribution and participation: Determined from wiki log and peer review
Paper – Organization and construction
Presentation – Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the topic
If you fail in either 1 or 2 you fail in the project
Components of your paper:
1.
Title
2.
Authors and affiliations
3.
Abstract: A brief synopsis of your paper. Follow these guidelines on writing an
abstract from Earth Research:
http://www.earthresearch.com/writing-abstract.shtml
4.
Introduction: A clear presentation or description of the topic. The Introduction
explains what the paper is about and the significance of the topic. Your want to
capture the imagination of the readers and make them want to read the paper.
Relate why the subject is particularly interesting or important.
5. Discussion: A section that describes the results of your research including,
theories/hypotheses, supporting arguments, etc. This is where you discuss the
results of your research.
6. Conclusion: A brief discussion of the most important and best-supported
hypothesis or argument, or degree of uncertainly and need for further research or
data.
7. Bibliography and references cited
USGS Suggestions To Authors – Preparing References:
http://pubs.usgs.gov/sta7refs.html
This paper is strictly from literature research, so you will not have a methods section or
results section.
Review the reference below regarding details and best practices:

How to write a geological paper:
http://almandine.geol.wwu.edu/~dave/other/howtosci/main.html

APA Guidelines: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Use for intext citations; figures and figure captions; citing online sources; paragraph
structure, etc.
Presentation
You will have to present your research before the class. I will give you two options:
1. An orally presented powerpoint
2. A digital movie or video, or voice over powerpoint
Suggested topics:
1. Glacial Features: Origin of Drumlins, two till controversy, origin of eskers, how
glaciers erode, styled of deglaciation in New England.
2. Karst: The formation of tower karst, Theories of karst formation (Mammoth caves
and Carlsbad Caverns.
3. Slopes: Theories of slope development and retreat
4. Fluvial processes: Why streams meander, how are river channels develop, the origin
of the Grand Canyon, influence of man on fluvial systems
5. Death Valley: origin and geomorphology of an Late Cenozoic arid basin
6. Historic: Reconstructing the early Holocene New England landscape in order to
locate Paleo-Indian settlements
7. Relict Landscapes
8. Rates of erosion determined by topographic inversion of a volcanic terrane
Presentation Rubric
Prepare your presentation using the following presentation guidelines:
1. Convey knowledge and understanding.
2. No filler. Everything you include must have a clear purpose.
3. Text, audio, and images must be organized and carry the reader easily through the
topic.
4. Don’t include images or text that you don’t understand and clearly discuss.
5. Know the content of your references.
Presenters____________________________________________________
Pier Review
Grading Rubric
Knowledge,
and comfort
with the
topic



Presentation

format


.5
-Vague
understanding
of topic
Can’t answer
questions
Vague
knowledge of
listed
references
.5
Completely
unorganized
Lacks
continuity
Clearly a rush
job






Content




.5
Very
superficial
coverage of
topic
Little insight or
understanding
displayed
Images are
not discussed
Incoherent
written or oral
statements



1, 2
Read slides (oral
presentation)
Moderately
comfortable with
the topic and
knows most
references
1, 2
Rambling, hard
to follow,
Too much or too
little text
Too small print,
etc.,
Poor quality
images/audio
1, 2, 3
Coverage
sketchy or
incomplete
Not clearly
focused on the
topic
Didn’t explain all
images displayed
Grade out of 10 pts = Total points = ________
Comments
3
Completely comfortable
with all aspects of the
topic





3
Logical and well
organized
Easy to follow and
understand
Cleverly conceived
and executed
4
Comprehensive
coverage of the
topic
Succinctly and
clearly presented
everything included
in the presentation