CHEM 311 Essay Assignment
Spring 2001
Due
Thursday, April 12, 2001
| Objectives: | stimulate your interest in the role of organic chemistry in your life |
| help you make connections between classroom information and the real world examples | |
| practice writing skills | |
| learn how to use the library and scientific information sources | |
| provide an alternative assessment instrument other than exams | |
| Assignment: | |
| Write an essay on an organic compound that has been in the news recently (within the last year), or is widely used, or has some social significance. The compound must be researched in the chemical literature (journals), however, books, your textbook, and web resources may also be used. The relevance of the organic compound to society must be addressed, but the chemical and physical properties must be identified and discussed. | |
| Topic: | |
| A copy or summary of the news article, news program, or other source from which you chose your topic is due October 9, along with a statement of why you believe this compound is an appropriate topic for this essay and briefly describe the significance of this compound on society. | |
| Length: | |
| At least 4 full pages and no more than 6 full pages excluding structures | |
| Format: | |
| Typed double-spaced in a 12-point font with 1 inch margins | |
| References: | |
| At least three sources must be used, two of which must be from the chemical literature (journal articles) online or in print. Additional sources may include your textbook, books, and web sources. References must be appropriately cited (see handout). | |
| Assessment: | |
| Grades will based upon the sum of the assessment of ten characteristics (listed below) rated on a 0 to 10 scale based on the quality of work in each category. | |
| Characteristics: | |
| Compound chemical properties including structure | |
| Compound physical properties | |
| O |
|
| Integration of classroom concepts (stereochemistry, reactivity, etc.) | |
| Societal significance | |
| Overall chemical content (clearly explaining content in your own words) | |
| References (quality and quantity of sources & proper citation) | |
| Organization (paragraph & sentence structure) | |
| Grammar (diction, spelling, punctuation) | |
| Overall Style & Clarity | |
|
Rating Scale: |
||||||
|
Excellent |
Very good |
Adequate |
Not good |
Poor |
Not addressed |
|
|
(10..........9) |
(8...........7) |
(6............5) |
(4.............3) |
(2...........1) |
( 0) |
Dr. Easter's Course Information