Science News
Science News
A lifetime of science relies on accessing reliable news sources.
Learning Objective: List characteristics of reliable sources of science news and include specific examples of these sources.
As you continue learning and using science knowledge into the future, there will be times that you want to find information on a particular topic. This could include researching the care of an animal, making a dietary choice, or considering medical treatment options. In each case you want updated and accurate information.
It is also interesting to flip through and understand the latest breakthroughs in science. To be aware when the first human is cloned or first vertebrate is resurrected from relic DNA.
It seems like a primary source, hearing directly from a researcher, would be an advantage over a secondary source that is filtering and condensing the information. However, if you have ever asked a researcher directly about their area of study, you know they can be passionate and focused, not necessarily on your application of the research. Secondary sources can have several advantages.
Few people go to primary sources of research for science information, for good reasons.
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Many published studies are written in a format intended for fellow researchers using field-specific jargon and data visualizations.
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Most research studies are early in the knowledge gathering process, results are preliminary and require confirmation by further research.
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It can be difficult to contextualize the significance of a particular research study without being widely read in the area.
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Many peer-reviewed research journals are only available through expensive subscriptions maintained by institutions.
Additionally, some secondary sources employ skilled science writers, illustrators, and editors who can contextualize individual research papers, indicating which science news is worth responding to, and which is still in early stages of knowledge formation.
Characteristics of quality science news sources:
A source is worth visiting repeatedly if it has these features.
Consistent science news websites:
These sources repeatedly make top-10 industry lists for most reliable science news coverage. You may add your own favorite sources to the list.
- Nature News
- BBC News science and environment page
- Wired Science
- New Scientist
- Popular Science
- Live Science
- National Geographic
- Smithsonian Magazine
Start Your Media Assignment here
The final portfolio is due next week by Wednesday 11:59 p.m. P.S.T. The final portfolio will include 27 pieces of your work; three representing each of the nine course outcomes. It will also include an introduction page.
For this media assignment, you are writing the introduction page for the portfolio and uploading it to Canvas.
The introduction page explains the portfolio. Include in your introduction page:
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a brief overview of the format you are using. For example: let the reader know that each page is a different outcome, or that there are three slides for each outcome, or a different video for each outcome, etc. This is a roadmap so the portfolio format makes sense. You can substitute this with a Table of Contents instead, if you prefer.
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a brief description of how the portfolio demonstrates your mastery of the course outcomes.
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a brief description of how you may use the portfolio into the future.
The next four sections are a closer look at animals that are frequently in the news, starting with “pest” species.
Check your knowledge – Science News
Review your notes. Can you describe what you will look for in a reliable science news source? If so, move forward to the next page.
Learning Objective:
List characteristics of reliable sources of science news and include specific examples of these sources.
Go back to the Science News Overview
Go forward to the Pests Page
Science News Contents
Complete all five of these sections before taking the quiz and submitting your media piece.
Module Index
Links to 10 Modules
This Module
10: What do I do next?
Products Information
10B: Quiz & Media
