Project instructions:

For this assignment you are to write a research report on a scientific question to which there is no definitive answer?that is, different groups of scientists/researchers hold opposite or contrasting views on how to explain some phenomenon. For example, scientists continue to debate these types of questions: ?Does Mars have (or in the past has it had) the resources to sustain human life?? or ?What caused the extinction of dinosaurs?? or ?Is biology or culture the primary influence on a human child?s sense of gender?? or ?Does whale intelligence exceed that of humans?? or ?To what extent are plants intelligent?? or ?Is climate change primarily androgenetic??

Task 1:
Find a scientific question that you think is fascinating that you would like to know more about. It should be something for which there is not yet a definitive answer, only several possible explanations. Do some research to find out what scientists are saying about possible answers to your question.

Task 2:
Examine the existing evidence (Find at least four [4] different sources), and decide which possible explanation makes the most sense to you, given what you have learned through your research.

Task 3 (At least 750 words):

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Using the sources that you chose, write a 2 -3 page (double-spaced, i.e. 750 words) report in which you summarize the evidence for the possible answers to the question and use that evidence to show how one perspective offers more compelling or convincing evidence than the other(s). That is, in your report show your readers how the evidence supporting one side of the controversy seems a better explanation for the data than the opposing viewpoint(s). Argue your position in this report by using the argument structure used in science disciplines (which we discuss in class). Your report should show readers the case in favour of one explanation over the other so that readers can follow your thinking and arrive at a similar conclusion to yours about this topic.

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Make sure you ultimately take a side in the various explanations that you report.

In this paper, use an indirect argument structure and scientific writing style to persuade readers of the validity of your evaluation of the evidence in support of one answer to the question.

Purpose: Your purpose in writing this paper is to practise thinking and writing like a scientist. Assemble the evidence, decide upon the best explanation for the evidence, and then write a report in which you explain it to readers so that they will understand the case and accept your explanation. Your goal is to use the indirect style of argument that we discuss in class to make this case for readers.

Genre: Research report. Use CSE documentation style (see pp. 384-391 in BPH).

Audience: Write for other science students and professors who are interested in scientific questions but unfamiliar with the details of the particular topic that you chose. Assume they have the background to understand the technical aspects of the issue but they lack the particular background on your topic.