Make Your Mark!
What interests you in the exciting and ever-changing world of science? Where do your interests lie and what subjects would you like to explore in greater detail? What application of scientific thought or research do you believe can help solve some of the challenges of today’s complex world? What kind of technology fascinates you? What future uses do you see for an improved version of existing technology? And where in the world of science might YOU fit in? Could a career in one of the sciences or in applied sciences await you? Think about it…
- Describe how your topic captured your interest—through studies in school, exposure in the media, personal experience, etc. Indicate its importance to science, technology, society, and the future.
- Provide background information about your topic. If it concerns a new development, mention what was known about it before and how scientists are exploring the topic now.
- Show how the topic touches on other areas of science and technology. Suggest how those areas might contribute to increased understanding of your topic.
- Include alternative, even competing, views of the topic, if there are any. Express YOUR point of view and explain why you hold it—but respect the perspectives of others.
Choosing Your Topic
A key ingredient of a prize-winning essay is your enthusiasm for your topic. If your heart (and mind) is in your writing, it shows!
With that in mind, let yourself think about all of the areas of study within the physical sciences. Some of them—though by no means all—are in the list below. They are all possible broad subject areas from which you might choose a more narrow topic:
Anthropology Archaeology Astronomy Biochemistry Biology Biomedical Sciences Biotechnology Botany | Chemistry Computer Sciences Ecology Energy Engineering Environmental Sciences Food & Nutrition Genetics | Geology Mathematics Medicine Oceanography Paleontology Physics Sports Medicine Zoology |
Use these points to help you focus as you conduct your research and write your essay:
- Describe how your topic captured your interest—through studies in school, exposure in the media, personal experience, etc. Indicate its importance to science, technology, society, and the future.
- Provide back-ground information about your topic. If it concerns a new development, mention what was known about it before and how scientists are exploring the topic now.
- Show how the topic touches on other areas of science and technology. Suggest how those areas might contribute to increased understanding of your topic.
- Include alternative, even competing, views of the topic, if there are any. Express YOUR point of view and explain why you hold it—but respect the perspectives of others. Additional materials will be distributed by the instructors.
EBSCO General Science Collection
eLibrary Science
Science Reference Center
Proquest K12
Online Catalog
Academic Intergrity
NoodleTools Citations System
Citation Machine
Passwords are available in the Information Center
Proquest K12
Online Catalog
Academic Intergrity
NoodleTools Citations System
Citation Machine
Passwords are available in the Information Center
