Written Assignment: Biology and Technology in the Real World

Written Assignment: Biology and Technology in the Real World

recognize and explain how the scientific method is used to solve problems
make observations and discriminate between scientific and pseudoscientific explanations
weigh the evidence and make decisions based on strengths and limitations of scientific knowledge and the scientific method
use knowledge of biological principles, the scientific method, and appropriate technologies to ask relevant questions, develop hypotheses, design and conduct experiments, interpret results, and draw conclusions

1. Select one of the topics listed below (a-e).
2. Find at least three reliable information sources related to your chosen topic. 
3. Write a paper with a title page, introduction, several paragraphs addressing the questions, conclusion, and references. You must write in your own words and paraphrase information from the selected information sources, addressing each of the questions for your chosen topic. Your paper should consist of less than 10% direct quotes. Your paper should be 750-1500 words, excluding references and title page. Use APA style for references: https://sites.umgc.edu/library/libhow/apa_tutorial.cfm
4. Submit your assignment to the Assignment folder by the due date listed in the course schedule. The originality of your assignment will be checked with Turnitin. Please review the originality report (https://libguides.umgc.edu/turnitin-students), and if needed, submit a revised assignment before the submission deadline. 
 Genetically modified organisms (GMOs). A friend tells you that she avoids foods containing GMOs because they are unhealthy. You decide to use the knowledge gained from your biology class and some additional research to form your own opinion on GMOs. Answer the following questions backed up by reliable information sources. What is the purpose of genetically engineering of crop plants? Include at least two specific examples of commonly grown GMO crops. How are GMOs created? Use the provided course materials and make a connection to the central dogma of molecular biology in your explanation. Which foods in your supermarket contain GMOs? Are foods that contain GMOs safe for human consumption? What types of regulations exist for these foods? Clearly explain your reasoning for each answer in your paper and conclude whether or not you agree with your friend. 

 Please review grading rubric. 
Hide Rubrics
Rubric Name: Biology and Technology in the Real World.
This table lists criteria and criteria group names in the first column. The first row lists level names and includes scores if the rubric uses a numeric scoring method. You can give feedback on each criterion by tabbing to the add feedback buttons in the table.CriteriaExcellent (90-100%)Good (75-89%)Adequate (60-74%)Unacceptable (0-59%)Criterion ScoreContent (40 points)40 points
Information obtained from a minimum of three information sources is summarized clearly, accurately and well organized in own words. All information sources are credible and relevant to the requirement for the chosen topic.
36-40 points
35 points
Information obtained from only two information sources is summarized and/or some minor issues with clarity, accuracy, and organization of information and/or one information source is not credible and/or relevant and/or more than a few direct quotes.
30-35 points
29 points
Information obtained from only one information source is summarized and/or major issues with clarity, accuracy, and organization of information and/or mostly direct quotes.
24-29 points
23 points
No information sources are summarized, and/or none of the sources are credible and relevant, and/or all direct quotes.
0-23 points
Score of Content (40 points),/ 40Contribution (40 points)40 points
All questions and requirements for chosen topic are addressed and own ideas are expressed, analyzed and defended based on knowledge learned from literature research.
36-40 points
35 points
One of the questions or requirements for chosen topic is not addressed, and/or minimal description and analysis of own ideas, and/or minimal connection between own ideas and what is learned from literature research.
30-35 point
29 points
Several of the questions or requirements for chosen topic are not addressed, and/or missing description and analysis of own ideas, and/or no connection between own ideas and what is learned from literature search.
24-29 points
23 points
Most of the questions and requirements for chosen topic are not addressed and no description and analysis of own ideas.
0-23 points
Score of Contribution (40 points),/ 40Mechanics (10 points)10 points
Very few errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure and grammar. 
10 points
9 points
Occasional errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure and grammar, but meaning is not obscured.
8-9 points 
7 points
Frequent errors of spelling, punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure and grammar; meaning at times confused or obscured.
6-7 points 
5 points
Dominated by errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure and grammar; meaning at times unidentifiable.
0-5 points 
Score of Mechanics (10 points),/ 10References (5 points)5 points
All references listed at the end, in-text references are included, all references in correct APA format.
5 points
4 points
Missing one reference, and/or minor problems with APA format, and/or missing in-text references.
4 points
3 points
Missing several references and/or references not in APA format.
3 points
0 points
No references included.
0 points
Score of References (5 points),/ 5Length of paper (5 points)5 points
Paper is between 750 and 1500 words
5 points
4 points
Paper is between 600-749 or 1501-1700 words
4 points
3 points
Paper is between  400-599 or 1701 – 1999 words
3 points
0 points
Paper is less than 399 or more than 2000 words
0 points
Score of Length of paper (5 points),/ 5Rubric Total ScoreTotalScore of Biology and Technology in the Real World.,/ 100
Overall Score
Overall Score
Excellent90 points minimum

Good75 points minimum

Adequate60 points minimum

Unsatisfactory0 points minimum