1. Building Scientific Literacy in GBIO103 Spring 2007

2. Team Members Jon Kastendiek Elizabeth Doyle Kim Bolyard Mike Renfroe Wendy Stapleton Carol Hurney Library Liaison: Meris Mandernach

3. Team Goals Take an existing assignment and put it in a template format so topics can be easily changed –Created an ongoing project with four modules Develop a rubric that makes grading for a large class manageable

4. Format for the Project The project will be done in modules throughout the semester The modules will guide students through the steps needed for information literacy The project will culminate in a “plagiarism-resistant” final project Let’s step through the four modules of the assignment

5. Module A – Asking critical questions, or knowing what you need Objective: Students will be able to read a popular press article and articulate the main theme, prepare a list of unanswered questions raised by the article’s content, and identify the source of the reported information

6. Module A - Assignment Objective: Students will be able to read a popular press article…. Assignment: Read the assigned article and… –In your own words, state the main theme in one to two sentences –Identify the original source of the reported information (location of resource, journal of publication) as stated in the article –Prepare a list of two questions in each of two the following categories What do you want to know to help you understand this article? What questions does this article raise in your mind? –e.g. - future research, ethics, societal impacts, funding source

7. Module A – Grading Rubric Learning ObjectiveEvaluation CriteriaPoints Summarized ThemeSuccinctly and well articulated2 Theme identified and not well articulated1 Theme not identified or incorrectly identified 0 Identify the source of information from article Source identified by correctly according to article, including all information 2 Source partially identified1 Source not identified, or incorrectly identified 0 Background information questions Provided two questions2 Provided one question1 Provided no questions or inappropriate questions 1 New questions raisedProvided two questions2 Provided one question1 Provided no questions or inappropriate questions 0

8. An example initial article for module A

9. Post-assignment review: Relevant questions What scientific data supports the use of marijuana for symptomatic relief? For which health problems has marijuana been shown to be effective in symptomatic relief? The Bush administration claims there has been no evidence supporting that marijuana alleviates symptoms –Where did they get this information? The article states that “20,000 people die each year because of drug abuse”. –Is this due to marijuana use? –What are the side effects?

10. Module B – Reliable resources, or how do I know if it’s good? Objective 1: Students will be able to differentiate between the types of resources as described in the tutorial. Objective 2: Students will be evaluate the credibility of a resource based on source, author, timeliness, additional references, and peer-review. Objective 3: Students will be able to distinguish scientific facts from opinions or invalid claims.

11. Module B – Reliable Resources Assignment Read the “Reliable Resources Guide” –http://csm.jmu.edu/biology/hurneyca/reliab leresources/http://csm.jmu.edu/biology/hurneyca/reliab leresources/ Complete the medical marijuana tutorial Complete the associated questions –Complete revised questions

13. Module C – Finding reliable information or searching for the answers Objective: Students will search appropriate databases with relevant keywords in order to identify reliable sources

14. Module C – Finding reliable information Objective: Students will search appropriate databases… Assignment: In the provided table, record three types of sources found during a search for information on the topic provided. A list of database choices will be given to the students. Resources: A list of databases will be provided to direct the students in their searches

15. Type of sourceDatabase used Keyword(s) used Citation Book U.S. government document Peer-reviewed journal One additional source (your choice) Type:________ Module C: Searching for information - output

16. Module C – Grading Rubric Fourteen point assignment –One point for each box of the table –Two points for correctly identifying the format of the fourth resource

17. Module D - Application of research skills, or now you’re on your own Objective: Students will be able to analyzing sources of information, draw conclusions, and apply information in a new context

18. Module D - Application of research skills, or now you’re on your own Objective: Students will be able to analyze sources of information, draw conclusions, and apply information in a new context Assignment: –Choose a topic from the list provided and search databases to find at least four reliable sources of information –Create a resource (e.g. – brochure, poster) summarizing the results of your research What experiments or studies have been done to prove the effectiveness of the products or technology? –Provide a research log to document your search strategy –Provide a correctly formatted reference list Resources: Databases provided as required, including Opposing Viewpoints Database