Michigan is relatively tectonically stable, whereas California and Alaska are considered relatively tectonically active. What factors are at play that explain the much greater incidence of earthquakes in California and earthquakes and volcanoes in Alaska than in Michigan?
See the rubric for the short papers.
Distinguished
Proficient Basic
Poor
or
Below
Content and Critical Thinking Three resources are used: 1) quotes from two research articles, 2) material from the textbook, and 3) two terms in bold print from the corresponding chapter(s) in the textbook. Demonstrated a critical analysis of the topic as evidenced by specific content quotes cited from two outside articles with the name of the author and year of the article properly cited. The articles come from peer reviewed journals (See_Peer_Reviewed (Refereed) Articles & Journals) and not magazines or web sites. No web resource is used, unless the web resource is based on a Peer Reviewed Journal. Also cites material from the textbook, with page number (s). Finally, correctly uses two terms, highlighted in bold, from all of the bold faced terms in the textbook. The text of the paper does not exceed 1000 words (about the length of a one page, single spaced essay) but is greater than 800 words. All references are correctly cited at the end of the essay (References and title are not counted in word page limit).
(25 pts.) Revealed an adequate understanding of the topic. Provided justification/explanation by citing one outside magazine or non peer reviewed article. No web resource is used. Material from the textbook (with page number) is cited. Uses examples to support argument. Did not cite reference properly either in the reference section or within the body of the text. The text exceeds 1200 words or is less than 600 words. All references are cited but there are one or two errors in the citation at the end of the essay (References and title are not counted in word page limit). (21 pts.) Revealed an adequate understanding of the topic limited to information that could be derived from prior posts or from the textbook. May cite material from textbook but the material has no page number reference. Uses web resources to support arguments. The text exceeds 1400 words or is less than 400 words. A reference is missing. One or two errors in the citation are found at the end of the essay (References and title are not counted in word page limit). (17 pts.) Message was unrelated to discussion or provided no evidence of agreement or disagreement with existing discussion. Relies mainly on opinion. The text exceeds 1600 words or is less than 200 words More than one reference is missing. Three or more errors in the citation are found at the end of the essay (References are not counted in word page limit). (14 pts. or below).
Mechanics of Post Complete sentences, well organized, grammatically correct, and free of spelling errors. (5 pts.) Complete sentences, well organized, but some (one or two) grammar and/or spelling errors. (4 pts.) Mostly complete sentences, comprehensible, organization could be improved to present a more coherent argument or statement, has three grammar and/or spelling errors. (3 pts.)
Poor sentence structure, inadequate organization, four or more grammar and/or spelling errors. (4 errors = 2 pts., 5 errors = 1 pt., more than 5 errors =0 pts.)
Abbreviations for instructor Discussion Board/Brief Paper comments
awk = awkward sentece, 2) s = spelling error, 3) c = case problem, 4) elab.=elaborate,5) h.r.=how is the reference related to the discussion topic? 6) Inc.= missing a key component of a sentence or a response to the discussion post question 7) nt = not true, what is written is scientifically inaccurate, 8) ns=not a sentence 9) +=good point, 10) ref=need a reference; this is opinion rather than a fact 11) ?=what do you mean? 12) ww=wrong word
