Opportunity #1: 

Retrieve a recent article (from a newspaper, magazine, or one of the websites listed below) regarding scientific events.  READ the article and then write a summary paragraph of the article, a paragraph that describes the implications to your life or society as a whole, and a concluding paragraph that outlines your reaction (how do you feel) to the article.  Use the attached “science in the news” worksheet to help you pick out the main ideas as you read the article.

In order to receive all 5 HW points, you must include:

• A copy of the article (must be less than 1 month old)
• A bibliographical citation (include above the summary).  Visit the citation builder from the Helpful Links page if you do not know how to write a citation.
• The written summary (this can be typed or handwritten).
• Completed “Science in the News” Organizer Sheet
• Parent/Guardian signature on the finished summary

You may complete TWO summaries for the quarter for a maximum point total of 10 HW points.

Opportunity #2:  Test/Quiz Average Points

Another way to earn extra credit is to summarize a science television show. Suggested shows include Animal Planet's 10 Most Extreme, Bill Nye, Nova etc. Some shows from the National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, and The Learning Channel may be appropriate for this assignment.  Parents or guardians must pre-approve the show, validating that it is strongly science based, and sign your one page typed summary. Your summary should be single spaced and the font must be standard size (such as Times New Roman -font size 12).  Recently I have been getting several double-spaced and greater papers with with huge fonts.  This is not acceptable and will not receive full credit if you do this.  You can earn up to five bonus quiz points for half hour shows and up to 10 bonus points for shows that are one or more hours.  Summaries must be typed and meet the length requirement for credit.  Limit of one per quarter.

Science News
ScienceNews for Kids
NY Times - Science News
National Geographic for Kids
ScienceDaily