Lab 2- Finding research articles and understanding scientific writing
- Due Apr 12, 2017 by 11:59pm
- Points 10
- Available until Apr 12, 2017 at 11:59pm
This week, we are learning how to use a light microscope. In addition we will learn how to use library resources to find research papers. We will practice this in the lab. Also, we will work on reading a scientific article and taking notes.
If you have a laptop, please bring it to lab this week. There are some computers in the lab, but it'd be useful to have extras.
Note: Prelabs are due at the beginning of lab. I will check briefly to make sure you have all the correct sections written. Later in the quarter, you will turn in your lab notebook and I will check them in more detail for additional points.
Lab 2 Objectives:
Learn how to find peer reviewed articles and recognize whether they are useful to you
Learn how scientists read these articles effectively without getting bogged down in the details
Practice reading a scientific article in lab
The main purpose of this lab is to learn a technique - how to find and understand peer reviewed scientific articles. During lab, we will use the computers to find articles that are available to you for free through the RTC library, and then we will practice reading a scientific article together.
Before Lab:
Print out this article
Download this article and bring it with you or access it during the lab. You can print for free in the Learning Resource Center (C102). We will read it together in lab.
Write your prelab, which should include a title, purpose, background, and methods section. More details below.
Background section should include:
What does "peer review" mean in the context of scientific journals?
What is the difference between a primary research article and a review article?
What are the 5 sections of scientific articles, and what kind of information is contained in each?
Methods should include:
How should you go about reading a scientific article? (it's different than reading a book or news article)
Don't forget to cite sources in your lab manual! You can use NoodleTools Express
Links to an external site.(Links to an external site.) to help you cite sources easily and correctly.
Here are some sources you may find helpful when researching this information:
How to read a scientific article Links to an external site. (Links to an external site.)
Infographic about scientific papers Links to an external site.(Links to an external site.)
Video on how to read scientific articles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2K6mJkSWoA Links to an external site.
Another video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEVftUdfKtQ Links to an external site.
Rubric
Criteria | Ratings | Pts | ||
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You came to lab on time with all prelab materials completed. I will deduct a point for every 10 minutes late.
threshold:
pts
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You contributed positively towards your lab group and did your fair share of the work. You didn't make safety errors or waste lab supplies. This includes wearing gloves when appropriate, disposing of waste in the proper place, and cleaning up your lab materials and table.
threshold:
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pts
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Total Points:
10
out of 10
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