Biodiversity Checklist (Rubric)

BIODIVERSITY PROJECT CHECKLIST

COMMUNICATION & PAPERWORK

1)      Precontract: Once the topic has been selected, conduct a preliminary search to find available background information and to formulate an overview of characteristics to be addressed. Discuss project description and task list with the instructor.

2)      Contract: Should be completed, signed, and submitted before project is started.

3)      Task List: A listing of procedures and/or activities necessary for project completion. The task list also includes who is individually or cooperatively responsible for the various tasks; date of expected task completion, and date task was accomplished. The task list is to be submitted at the same time as the signed contract.

4)      Working Outline: A sequential list of the items that will be included in the presentation. Your first working outline is written after the preliminary search is completed. The working outline is to be submitted within one week of contract signing.

5)      Log Sheets: The log sheets (group and individual) are a written record of individual and group work on the project. Recorded information includes; date of work, starting and stopping clock time, and what was accomplished. Log sheets are submitted on project due date.

6)      Background Information Folder: Contains hard copies of all the available information (other than online sources) that pertains to your topic. If the background information is from an online source there should be a hyperlink to it in the PowerPoint presentation. The Background Information Folder is submitted on the project due date.

7)      Reference List: Your project is based on the work of other people. Your reference list indicates the sources of your information and gives credit to the writers from whom you borrowed words and ideas. The reference list is given at the end of your PowerPoint presentation. In addition a hard copy must be submitted to the instructor on the project due date.

RESEARCH PROGRESS

1)      Sources: Obtain all available information that pertains to your topic. You should become something of an expert on your topic. This entails extensive background research. Information should be obtained from a wide variety of sources, including the Internet, libraries, and people (including your instructor) knowledgeable about your topic.

2)      Reference Information: As you start to gather information pertaining to your topic, carefully record all required reference information.

3)      Topic Information: When researching a topic it is not possible to remember all the information you collect. Copies of all obtained information needs to be retained. Information collected, but not needed, can be disregarded. Information that is needed, but not recorded, can seriously weaken an entire project.

4)      Working Outline: After you have gathered a little information write your first working outline. Constantly revise and update the outline as you acquire more information.

5)      Thoroughness: You should extensively and exhaustively search for information about your topic. A presentation with a minimal number of sources raises questions about thoroughness.

6)      Completeness: A great deal of information about your topic should be included. Someone else should be able to personally confirm and investigate the topic from your many references.

TOPIC INFORMATION

1)      Organization: Effective presentations proceed in a logical, orderly sequence as the various areas of the topic are addressed. Use your outline as a guide and work for smooth and appropriate transitions from area to area. Following a concise, complete outline will enhance your presentation.

2)      Thorough Coverage: your project describes a single topic. Its purpose is to present important information concerning that particular subject. It should introduce the key concepts of the topic and allow the audience to become more knowledgeable about and have a clear understanding of your subject.

3)      Detailed Information: Instead of a quick vague overview provide in-depth quantitative detail and statistical information. Scientific topics are technical in nature. Be sure that you are precise and state the facts clearly.

4)      Arkansas Data: This is a biodiversity project about the flora or fauna of Arkansas. Be sure to emphasize the organism´s occurrence and numbers, distribution, and range in the state as well as in the United States. Your information should be as specific to the state as possible.

5)      Classification: In order to understand the diversity of organism you must know where they are placed in the classification system and why they are placed there. Give identifying characteristics and indicate what separates your organism from other similar groups. Include information about how many species of your type as well as related types of organisms occurs in the state and U.S. You may need to reference identification keys.

REFERENCES

1)      Correct Information: Be sure to include all required reference information. Although most of the reference information is the same for the different type of sources there are some differences. Refer to Making the Reference List for the specifics on each source type.

2)      Proper Format: The science format is very different form that used in subjects in the humanities. Capitalize, punctuate, indent, and space exactly as shown in the examples in Making the Reference List. Double-space the lines between references, but not in them. Indent lines beneath the first.

3)      Alphabetical: All of the reference sources used are to be put in a single list, alphabetized by first word of each reference. References from books, periodicals, personal communications, or any other kind, are in the single list. Do not include any references that were not used in the presentation. In the author-date-page system used in Making the Reference List, the references are not to be numbered.

PRESENTATION

1)      Format: Select a slide format and use it for the entire presentation. Successful presentations catch and hold the attention of the audience while explaining information in a way that can be quickly and easily understood. The presentation should convey information to the audience in a lecture setting. Its purpose is not to indicate that you are familiar with all of PowerPoint´s bells and whistles.

2)      Typeface: Sans serif fonts (Helvetica, Ariel) are easiest to read when viewed from a distance. Check font size to see if they can be easily read when viewed on a computer or projected on a screen. Don´t mix fonts! Use no more than two typefaces in a presentation.

3)      Color: Text and background should be contrasting colors. Don´t use too many colors; usually three is best (one for background, one for title and highlighting, and one for text). Be consistent use the same colors throughout the presentation.

4)      Visual Appeal: Introduce only one idea per slide. Make the text concise. Be sure the graphics you choose enhance your presentation. No animations, transitions, or action should be applied to any text or graphics.