MSC 160 – OceanographyIndependent Project

Fall 2017

Table of Contents:

Page

Overview……….................................................................................................................................... 2

Independent Project Rubric………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4

Extra Credit………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

Topic Choice…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6

Proposal Requirements…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7

Proposal Rubric………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

Introduction to Data Analysis……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9

Final Report Guidelines…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12

Final Report Rubric……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15

Presentation Guidelines……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16

Presentation Rubric………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 19

1

MSC 160 – OceanographyIndependent Project Overview – D1 & D2

This project will provide you with the opportunity to practice your use of the scientific method by formulating a hypothesis and testing it. It will encourage you to consolidate your organizational skills by giving you the responsibility for designing and running your own project through the preparation of an initial project proposal, carrying out laboratory and/or field investigations, writing up your findings as a final report, and presenting your project to your peers. Refer to the Independent Project Rubric (page 4) for specific due dates and available points for each step of this project.

The plan is as follows:

Step 1: Topic Choice

Your topic choice must be related to oceanography and approved by the Instructor. A list of real-time data resources is available for you to peruse. Refer to the Independent Project Topic Choice handout (page 6) for more detailed information. You must complete the Topic Choice Contract by 0900, Monday, September 11, 2017. You cannot change your topic after this point.

Step 2: Project Proposal

A brief report outlining your project will be required. This document will help you organize your thoughts and allow the Instructor to provide constructive criticism on your methodology before you start collecting data. See the Project Proposal Requirements handout (page 7) for more detailed information.

The project proposal should include the following information:

The question you are posing. A hypothesis related to your question. A methodology that describes how you will test this hypothesis, including the data sources you will be

using (websites, field collections, etc.). See below for requirements for collecting data. Your dependent and independent variables. A literature review which includes scholarly articles. Your expected results.

The project proposal is due by 0900, Friday, October 6, 2017.

Step 3: Data Collection

Data collection should begin by Sunday, October 1, 2017 (or earlier, if needed). You should collect at least a month’s worth (30 days) of data. If you have a cruise during the data collection period, you must extend the data collection period to make up for those missed days, even if you can access archived data. For example, if you’re going on the senior cruise (8 days), you must add another 8 days of data (collection period of 38 days minimum). The more data you collect, the better off you will be, and so daily collections are encouraged. Do not collect data more than twice daily. Data can come from online sources and/or be

2

collected in the field in situ. Your project must include real-time data, either alone or used in conjunction with archived data (eg. Comparing past and present data). A list of real-time data resources is available for you to use. You are required to provide some example data by 0900, Friday, October 20, 2017. See the Instructor for more information.

Step 4: Data Analysis and Final Report Preparation

The entire month of November is to be used for analyzing your data and preparing your Final Report. The Introduction to Data Analysis handout (page 9) will give you some pointers on how to graphically present, and analyze your data. Statistical analyses are not required for this project, but may benefit your analysis. Your Final Report should include the following sections. See the Final Report Guidelines handout (page 12) for more detailed information on each section.

Title Page Introduction Methods Results Discussion/Conclusion Literature Cited

We will be heading to the computer lab to work on analyzing data and the final report 3 times during the semester. Refer to the Independent Project Rubric (page 4) for specific dates.

The Final Report is due by 0900, Friday, December 8, 2017.

Step 5: Presentation

The Presentations will take place during the last week of the semester. Sign-up sheets will be distributed during class for specific presentation times. The presentation dates for each section are:

XRAY (D1): Wednesday, December 13, 2017 Friday, December 15, 2017

YANKEE (D2): Monday, December 11, 2017 Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Please refer to the Independent Project Presentation Guidelines handout (page 16) for specific details.

3

MSC 160 - OceanographyIndependent Project Rubric – D2

Date* Assignment Points Points Earned0900 September 11 Topic Choice Contract 5

0900 October 6 Project Proposal 10

0900 October 20 Data Collection 5

October 23 Data Analysis Preparation**Computer Lab 4

November 13 Presentation Preparation**Computer Lab 4

November 20 Presentation Preparation**Computer Lab 4

Date dependent upon presentation time PowerPoint Presentation 3

0900 December 8 Final Report 15

December 11 OR 13 Final Presentation + Extra Credit*** 50

Total Points 100* All assignments must be completed by the assigned date and time. There is a 10-point penalty/day for all late assignments.

** Computer lab “assignments” are graded on an attendance and participation basis; this is an all-or-nothing grade. If you show up, stay for the entire class, and work on your project you receive the points.

4

*** Extra Credit

An extra 5 points are available for your Independent Project grade if you complete the following:

o Attend a scientific presentation (see following page for information)o Submit a one-page report via email on the presentation, which includes the following

information: Name of Presenter(s) Location, Date & Time of presentation Title of Scientific Presentation A brief synopsis of the topic

A couple paragraphs discussing the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the project.

Possible places to see a scientific presentation:

Graduate thesis presentations at local universities:o The Fall Seminar series for the Biology and Marine Biology departments at UNCW in

Wilmington is found here: http://uncw.edu/bio/fall2016seminar.html

o To view the google calendar for all Morehead City/Beaufort area seminars, including those at UNC’s Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), Duke Marine Lab (DUML), and NC State’s Center for Marine Science and Technology (CMAST), please visit this link:

https://www.google.com/calendar/embed? src=encmarineseminar@gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York

o The Fall Seminar series for the Biology department at ECU in Greenville is found here: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/biology/seminarschedule.cfm

o The Fall Seminar series for the Biology department at Duke in Durham is found here: https://biology.duke.edu/news-events/events

o The Fall Seminar series for NCSU’s Marine, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences in Raleigh is found here:

http://www.meas.ncsu.edu/05-seminars.html

Online presentations (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) will not be accepted.

5

MSC 160 – OceanographyIndependent Project Topic Choice

Many students have questioned how they should present their topic choice to their Instructor. Hopefully this document will help clarify what is required.

Projects that have dependent and independent variables, and utilize online data collection, are the easiest to comprehend and research. A dependent variable is what you measure in an experiment and what is affected during an experiment. The dependent variable responds to the independent variable. It is called dependent because it "depends" on the independent variable. In a scientific experiment, you cannot have a dependent variable without an independent variable. For example, you may be interested in the relationship between rainfall (independent variable) and sea surface salinity (dependent variable) in the Mediterranean Sea over the month of October. Before you solidify your choice, you have to make sure that you can collect real-time data on those variables. Be sure to check the provided real-time data resources BEFORE you decide on a topic.

1. State your dependent and independent variables.a. For example, if you were interested in studying the effects of rainfall on sea surface salinity

(SSS) in the Mediterranean Sea, rainfall would be your independent variable and SSS would be the dependent variable.

2. Provide a brief (2-3 sentences) discussion of possible correlations between your dependent and independent variables.

a. Commonly, scientists look for correlations (relationships between) variables. For example, you could surmise that with an increase in rainfall will cause an increase in SSS. This would be a positive correlation (both variables increase). An increase in rainfall with a decrease in SSS would be a negative correlation (one variable increases and the other decreases).

3. State your null and alternative hypotheses.a. A hypothesis is a testable statement that can be falsified, if it truly is false.

i. A null hypothesis is the statement you want to falsify. For example, in regards to the study of rainfall and SSS, the null hypothesis would be “Rainfall has no effect on SSS in the Mediterranean Sea.” Or, “The SSS remains the same as rainfall increases in the Mediterranean Sea.”

ii. An alternative hypothesis is the statement that is supported if the null hypothesis is rejected. For example, “The SSS increases as rainfall decreases in the Mediterranean Sea.” Or, “As rainfall increases, SSS decreases in the Mediterranean Sea.”

4. List your real-time online data resource(s).a. Provide the active link(s) to the real-time online data resource(s) from which you will be

collecting data during the month of October.

Please complete the Google form found on Ms. Degan’s website to submit your Topic Choice Contract by 0900, Monday, September 11, 2017.

6

MSC 160 – OceanographyIndependent Project Proposal Requirements

After you have chosen your topic, you must prepare a Project Proposal. The proposal will consist of the following main sections:

Title Page: Give the title of your research project, your name, email address, and date.

Introduction: In this section you describe briefly and clearly what question you are asking, and what hypothesis you are testing. When stating your hypothesis, make sure that you include predictions of what may happen. Place your question in the broad perspective of its importance to oceanography. Why is it important to do more research on your topic? Why are you interested in studying your topic?

Methods: In this section you should describe precisely what your experimental design will be. You should describe the experiment in enough detail so that another person could carry out your wishes by reading your methods. For a research proposal, the methods section should be written in the future tense, because you are describing your research plans. Make sure your proposal identifies your dependent and independent variables, and any statistical tests you may use for your analyses. Other things to include in this section are: 1) station(s) description(s), 2) a list of data sources, and 3) any important special considerations for collection and/or analyses of samples or data that might constrain your work (i.e. cruise).

Annotated Bibliography: In this section you should review the current state of knowledge concerning the topic and briefly summarize previous applicable research. The idea behind doing a literature review is for you to learn enough about your research question and the variables that you will be working on, so that you do a really good job on your project. This is also an important opportunity for you to dig deeply into the primary literature. Please use the attached Library Resource Guide for more information on how to write an annotated bibliography. I am requiring a minimum of 3 references. References must come from scholarly (peer-reviewed) journals. List your references using APA format.

The CFCC Library has excellent resources for your use, including online Library Guides (LibGuides). On the Library’s homepage, click on Research Guides, then choose Marine Technology. There are a number of tabs, including Locate Articles and Reading a Scientific Journal Article, which can be of great help. The library also has Citation Style Guides (http://libguides.cfcc.edu/Citing-Help).

DUE DATE:

Your project proposal is due by 0900, Friday, October 6, 2017. Please use single spaced, 12 point Calibri font with 1 inch margins. Emailed Microsoft Word documents are required (no pdf.’s), saved under the name [lastname]proposal.docx. For example, deganproposal.docx.

Checklist/Rubric for Project Proposals7

Title Page (10 pts):

□ Title (2.5 pts)

□ Name (2.5 pts)

□ Email address (2.5 pts)

□ Date (2.5 pts)

Introduction (12.5 pts):

□ Question (2.5 pts)

□ Null Hypothesis (2.5 pts)

□ Alternative Hypothesis/Prediction (2.5 pts)

□ Importance to oceanography (2.5 pts)

□ Personal interest (2.5 pts)

Methods (25 pts):

□ Precise experimental design written in

future tense (5 pts)

□ Dependent & independent variables (5 pts)

□ Station description(s) (5 pts)

□ Data sources (5 pts)

□ Special considerations (5 pts)

Annotated Bibliography (37.5 pts):

□ Minimum number of references (9.375 pts)

□ Peer-reviewed scientific articles (9.375 pts)

□ One paragraph summary per article (9.375

pts)

□ Correct citation (APA format) (9.375 pts)

Format (15 pts):

□ Single-spaced (3 pts)

□ 12 point font (3 pts)

□ Calibri font (3 pts)

□ Microsoft Word doc (3 pts)

□ Excellent spelling & grammar (3 pts)

Submission: Date Submitted: _________________

□ On Time

□ Late (-10 pts per day)

Grade (out of 100 pts): _________________

A = ≥ 92B = 84-91C = 76-83D = 68-75F = < 68

8

Comments:

9

MSC 160 – OceanographyIntroduction to Data Analysis

Data analysis is a body of methods that help to describe facts, detect patterns, develop explanations, and test hypotheses. It is used in all of the sciences. As part of your Independent Project, you are required to analyze data. The most simplified way to analyze data is to create a graphical representation for visual analysis. Graphs that are available in Microsoft Excel include:

1. Bar graph These charts are used to show how something changes over time or to compare items (discrete

data).2. Histogram

These are similar to bar graphs, but histograms group numbers into ranges (continuous data)3. Line graph

A graph that shows information that is connected in some way, such as change over time. Great for data collected over a short period of time

4. Scatterplot Scatter plots show how much one variable is affected by another. They are usually used with

regression and/or correlation (see below).5. Pie chart

A special chart that uses pie slices to show relative sizes of data.

In addition to graphs, descriptive statistics can reveal a lot of information, and help you answer your overall research question. These statistics are commonly used on only one variable. Descriptive statistics include the following:

1. Mode The most frequently occurring measurement in a set of data.

2. Median The middle measurement in an ordered set of data.

3. Mean Average

4. Range The difference between the highest and lowest measurements in a group of data.

5. Variance Describes how far values lie from the mean; commonly called the mean sum of squares.

6. Standard Deviation Shows how much variation or “dispersion” exists from the average; it is the positive square root

of the variance.

10

Techniques that consider relationships between two variables include:

1. Regression The relationship between two variables may be one of functional dependence of one on the

other. That is, the magnitude of one of the variables (the dependent variable) is assumed to be determined by the magnitude of the second variable (the independent variable), whereas the reverse is not true. Such a dependent relationship is termed a regression; the term simple regression refers to the fact that only two variables are being considered.

i. For example, in the relationship between blood pressure and age in humans, blood pressure may be considered the dependent variable and age the independent variable; we may reasonably assume that although the magnitude of a person’s blood pressure might be a function of age, age is not determined by blood pressure.

Specifically, a straight-line or linear relationship in changes in the dependent variable as the independent variable changes is measured in a regression. It is always useful to make a preliminary scatter plot of the data to get a sense of whether there is any relation between the two variables, and if so, what the relationship may be (positive, negative, etc.). A line of best fit is then overlaid on the scatter plot, and a coefficient of determination (r2) determined. The coefficient of determination may be thought of as a measure of the strength of the straight-line relationship, and shows the proportion (or percentage) of the total variation in the dependent variable that is explained by the regression. An r2 near 1.0 indicates that a regression line fits the data well, while an r2 closer to 0 indicates a regression line does not fit the data very well. In other words, if your r2 is high, there is a high probability that the independent variable can be a useful predictor of future measurements of the dependent variable.

2. Correlation In many kinds of data, the relationship between two variables is not one of dependence. In

such cases, the magnitude of one of the variables changes as the magnitude of the second variable changes, but it is not reasonable to consider there to be an independent and a dependent variable. In such situations, correlation, rather than regression, analyses are called for, and both variables are theoretically to be random-effects factors.

i. An example of data suitable for correlation analysis would be measurements of human arm and leg lengths. It might be found that an individual with long arms will in general possess long legs, so a relationship may be describable; but there is no justification in stating that the length of one limb is dependent upon the length of the other.

The correlation coefficient (r) can be calculated from the r2, and runs from -1 to +1. A positive correlation implies that for an increase in the value of one of the variables, the other variable also increases in value; a negative correlation indicates that an increase in value of one of the variables is accompanied by a decrease in value of the other variable. If r = 0, there is zero correlation, denoting that there is no linear association between the magnitudes of the two variables; that is, a change in magnitude of one does not imply a change in magnitude of the other.

11

There are a number of statistical tests that can be done to determine correlation, but for your project, you can simply use a graph to show either a positive or negative correlation between the variables.

Positive correlation Negative correlation No correlation

12

MSC 160 – OceanographyIndependent Project Final Report Guidelines

Your Final Report will include the following sections:

Title Page: o Give the title of your research project, your name, email address, and date.

Introduction:o The function of the Introduction is to establish the context of the work being reported. This is

accomplished by discussing relevant primary literature (with citations) and summarizing the current understanding of the problem you are investigating. The key is to summarize (for the reader) what was known about the specific problem before you did your experiment or study. This is accomplished with a general review of the primary research literature but should not include very specific, lengthy explanations that you will probably discuss in greater detail later in the Discussion/Conclusion section. Although you may read some general background references (encyclopedias, textbooks, lab manuals, etc.) to get yourself acquainted with the subject area, do not cite these, because they contain information that is considered fundamental or “common” knowledge within the discipline. Cite, instead, articles that reported specific results relevant to your study. Also, in this section describe briefly and clearly what question you are asking, and what hypothesis you are testing. When stating hypotheses, make sure that you include predictions of your hypotheses. Place your question(s) in the broad perspective of its importance to oceanography. Why is it important to do more research on your topic? Why are you interested in this topic?

Methods: o In this section you should explain clearly how you carried out your study in the following

general structure and organization: A description of the study site(s), including the significant physical and biological

features, and precise location (latitude and longitude, map, etc.). It is most often a good idea to include a map (labeled as a Figure) showing the location in relation to some larger more recognizable geographic area.

The experimental OR sampling design (i.e., how the experiment or study was structured. For example, the dependent and independent variable(s) measured, how many samples were collected, replication, etc.).

The protocol for collecting data (i.e. how the experimental procedures were carried out).

How the Data were analyzed (qualitative analyses and/or statistical procedures used).o Describe the protocol for your study in sufficient detail that other scientists could repeat your

work to verify your findings. For the Final Report, the Methods section should be written in the past tense, since you have already completed the research. Other things to include in this section are: 1) a description of data sources, and 2) any important special considerations for collection and/or analyses of samples or data that constrained your work (i.e. cruise, government shutdown, etc.).

13

The first three sections should look familiar – these were required for your project proposal. In your Final Report, you have the opportunity to update these three sections, taking into account the constructive criticisms provided by your Instructor after grading the proposal. Note that the Methods section should be written in the past tense in the Final Report.

Results: o The function of the Results section is to objectively present your key results, without

interpretation, in an orderly and logical sequence using both text and illustrative materials (Tables and Figures). The Results section always begins with text, reporting the key results and referring to your figures and tables as you proceed. The Results section should be crafted to follow a logical sequence and highlight the evidence needed to answer the questions/hypotheses you investigated.

o Simple rules to follow related to Tables and Figures: Tables and Figures are assigned numbers separately and in the sequence that you will

refer to them from the text. The first Table you refer to is Table 1, the next Table 2 and so forth. Similarly, the first Figure is Figure 1, the next Figure 2, etc.

Each Table or Figure must include a brief description of the results being presented and other information in a legend.

Table legends go above the Table; tables are read from top to bottom. Figure legends go below the Figure; figures are usually viewed from bottom to

top. When referring to a Figure from the text, “Figure” is abbreviated as Fig., for example,

Fig.1. Table is never abbreviated, e.g., Table 1. Do not reiterate each value from a Figure or Table – only the key result or trends that

each conveys. Do not present the same data in both a Table and Figure – this is considered redundant

and a waste of space and energy. Decide which format best shows the result and go with it.

Do not report raw values when they can be summarized as means, percentages, etc.o Always enter the appropriate units when reporting data or summary statistics.o Important negative results should be reported too.

If you did not get the anticipated results, it may mean your hypothesis was refuted and needs to be reformulated, or perhaps you have stumbled onto something unexpected that warrants further study. Moreover, the absence of an effect may be very telling in many situations. In any case, your results may be of importance to others, even though they did not support your hypothesis. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that results contrary to what you expected are necessarily “bad data.” If you carried out the work well, they are simply your results and need interpretation. Many important discoveries can be traced to “bad data.”

Discussion/Conclusion:o The function of the Discussion is to interpret your results in light of what is already known

about the subject of investigation, and to explain your new understanding of the problem after taking your results into consideration. The Discussion will always connect to the Introduction by way of the question(s) or hypotheses you posed and the literature you cited, but it does not simply repeat or rearrange the Introduction.

o Fundamental questions to answer in this section include:

14

Do you results provide answers to your testable hypotheses? If so, how do you interpret your findings?

Do your findings agree with what others have shown? If not, do they suggest an alternative explanation or perhaps an unforeseen design flaw in your experiment (or theirs)?

Given your conclusions, what is our new understanding of the problem you investigated and outlined in the Introduction?

If warranted, what would be the next step in your study, e.g., what experiments would you do next?

o You will necessarily make reference to the findings of others in order to support your interpretations. You may find crucial information in someone else’s study that helps you interpret your own data.

o Be wary of mistaking the reiteration of a result for an interpretation, and make sure that no new results are presented here that rightly belong in the Results section.

Literature Cited:o The Literature Cited section gives an alphabetical listing (by first author’s last name) of the

references that you actually cited in the body of your paper. o Do not label this section “Bibliography.” A bibliography contains references that you may have

read but have not specifically cited in the text. Bibliography sections are found in books and other literary writing, but not scientific journal-style papers.

o Use the APA style guide for your citations.

DUE DATE:

Your final report is due by 0900, Monday, December 8, 2017. Please use single spaced, 12 point Calibri font with 1 inch margins.

15

Checklist/Rubric for Final ReportTitle Page (10 pts):

□ Title (2.5 pts)

□ Name (2.5 pts)

□ Email address (2.5 pts)

□ Separate title page (2.5 pts)

Introduction (15 pts):

□ Question (2.5 pts)

□ Null Hypothesis (2.5 pts)

□ Alternative Hypothesis/Prediction (2.5 pts)

□ Relevant primary literature cited within text

o Peer-reviewed articles (2.5 pts)o Application to project (2.5 pts)

□ Importance/Personal Interest (2.5 pts)

Methods (20 pts):

□ Precise experimental design (collection &

analysis) written in past tense (4 pts)

□ Dependent & independent variables (4 pts)

□ Description of study site(s) (4 pts)

□ Data source(s) (4 pts)

□ Special considerations (4 pts)

Results (25 pts):

□ Objective without interpretation (5 pts)

□ Includes text and illustrative materials

(tables & figures)

o Illustrative materials are appropriate and not redundant (5 pts)

□ Table and figures have the correct format

o Numbering (2.5 pts)o Descriptions (2.5 pts)

□ Tables and figures are referred to within the

text (5 pts)

□ Appropriate units for all values (2.5 pts)

□ Negative results are reported, where

necessary (2.5 pts)

Discussion/Conclusion (25 pts):

□ Interpretation of results (5 pts)

□ Answer to hypothesis provided (5 pts)

□ Analysis done in light of other studies

o Citations within text (5 pts)

□ Flaws in study mentioned (5 pts)

□ Future studies mentioned (5 pts)

Format (5 pts):

□ Single-spaced (1 pt)

□ 12 pt font (1 pt)

□ Calibri font (1 pt)

□ Excellent spelling & grammar (2 pts)

Submission: Date Submitted: ______________

□ On Time

□ Late (-10 pts per day)

16

Grade (out of 100 pts):

A = ≥ 92

B = 84-91C = 76-83D = 68-75F = < 68

MSC 160 - OceanographyPresentation Guidelines

The scientific talk, like your final report, is part of the scientific communication process. The modern scientist must be able to present a well-organized, well delivered scientific talk. At this point, you may be asking yourself, “How does this apply to me? I’m not planning to be a scientist. I want to be a technician.” And my answer would be: Many technicians work for or with scientists, and communication between the two groups will be imperative. You will likely be asked to attend scientific talks, and you may also be asked to give scientific presentations. With that in mind, let’s discuss the scientific presentation.

Most scientific presentations use visual aids (posters, PowerPoints, videos, handouts, etc.) - and almost all scientific presentations are casual and partially impromptu with open discussion from the audience, and a question and answer session at the end. This "scientific style" places some additional burdens on the speaker because the speaker must manipulate visual media, appear comfortable with the material, and still have the presence to answer unanticipated questions. No one would argue with the fact that an unprepared, sloppy talk is a waste of both the speaker's and audience's time. So, you will find that procrastination is your enemy and intense preparation will bode well for both your confidence and your grade!

Hints for preparing a great scientific talk:

1) Visual Aids. This assignment requires you to implement at least one visual aid, Microsoft PowerPoint. You are welcome to accompany your PowerPoint with other visual aids, but keep in mind that you will be limited by time and additional aids may slow you down.

a. You must prepare a talk that will take 10 minutes to present (a two minute margin of error will be allowed before the time restraint affects your grade).

b. Due to the time restraint, multiple rehearsals at home will be beneficial. Practice, Practice, Practice!

c. Bear in mind that you will likely be nervous when you give your presentation – this factor typically leads students to either speak very rapidly (and finish way too early) or fumble through the presentation with lots of pauses and “um’s” (and finish well past the 10 minute limit).

2) Prepare your narrative as if you were telling a story. Your story should include an Introduction to your study, the Methods you used, the main Results obtained, and a final Discussion of the study’s “take-home message”.

a. Introduction: This should present the “problem”, as well as provide the motivation behind “solving” the problem. This is your opportunity to capture your audience’s attention.

b. Methods: This section will be most interesting to your audience if you maintain a story-telling approach. Avoid rote, bullet-point information as this becomes boring and difficult to follow.

c. Results: Select only two or three of the main (and most interesting) results.

17

d. Discussion/Conclusion: This section will briefly reiterate your results and discuss the implications of the study.

i. Keep this section brief. Choose only one or two “take-home messages”.ii. Be sure to connect this discussion with what you told the audience in your introduction.

iii. This will be a good place for a bulleted slide in your PowerPoint.3) Attend a Scientific Talk at UNC-W to gain perspective. Graduate students defend their theses every

Friday on the UNC-W campus. You can find more information on UNCW’s website or my faculty website. Need more incentive to attend one of these talks? I’m offering 5 points on your presentation grade if you send me an e-mail with the name of the presenter you saw, the title of their presentation, and a brief paragraph telling me what you took away from the talk! This must be completed by 1700, December 8, 2017.

4) Less is better. a. Don’t bog your slides down with too many bullets, or lists of information. b. Avoid slides that are comprised of paragraphs. No one is going to read it, and you will end up

just reading the slides to the audience (yawn).c. The PowerPoint slides should be saved for photos, charts, graphs, and brief bullet points that

enhance your narrative, not distract from it!5) Eye Contact, Enunciation, and Clarity – Speak with a Purpose. When you give your presentation, be

prepared to talk to your audience, not the screen in the front of the room.a. DO NOT READ YOUR SLIDES TO THE AUDIENCE!b. You may choose to have note cards to ensure that you don’t forget to cover all of the material,

but remember to make eye contact with the audience members.c. Speak slowly and loudly.d. Allow brief pauses when you put a new slide on the screen – it is very difficult for the audience

to read your slides and listen to you at the same time.e. Avoid the “ummm’s” and “ahhhh’s” as they are very distracting. If you lose your place or get

confused, allow for a silent pause while you gather your thoughts.6) Make your PowerPoint slides visually appealing and readable.

a. Absolutely no fonts smaller than 16pt, and stick with dark colors for text color (avoid red and yellow).

b. Use the same font throughout the presentation.c. Choose a solid background for your slides. You may use the PowerPoint background templates

that are simple and clean. Do not use pictures as the screen background.d. Keep the graphics simple. Don’t show unnecessary or unrelated photos or graphs.

7) Be prepared for questions. a. Your classmates and your instructor will be asking questions when you are done – don’t be

caught off-guard.8) Dress nicely. Enough said.9) Bring your PowerPoint to class early. You will want to upload your presentation to the computer early

to avoid the rush to fix any problems that inevitably occur every year. You are required to submit your Powerpoint presentation at least 24 hours before you present. If your PowerPoint doesn’t load on the

18

day of your presentation, you will be held responsible for not having a visual aid prepared for the audience (and this will be reflected in your grade).

10) If you have any questions about this assignment or you need clarification about your study, you should ask your instructor prior to the week of your presentation. I will be much more amenable to assisting you if I know you are being diligent with your work

Disclaimer: The Instructor reserves the right, acting within the policies and procedures of Cape Fear Community College, to make changes, adjustments, additions, and deletions in the requirements for the Independent Project, without notice or obligations.

19

POINTS* 1 2 3

OrganizationAudience cannot understand presentation because there is no sequence of information.

Audience has difficulty following presentation because student jumps around.

Student presents information in logical sequence which audience can follow.

Student presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow.

Subject KnowledgeStudent does not have grasp of information; student cannot answer questions about subject.

Student is uncomfortable with information and is able to answer only rudimentary questions.

Student is at ease with expected answers to all questions, but fails to elaborate.

Student demonstrates full knowledge (more than required) by answering all class questions with explanations and elaboration.

Graphics Student uses superfluous graphics or no graphics

Student occasionally uses graphics that rarely support text and presentation; or most graphics are difficult to see/read.

Student's graphics relate to text and presentation; or some graphics are difficult to see/read.

Student's graphics explain and reinforce screen text and presentation. Graphics are easy to see and read.

MechanicsStudent's presentation has four or more spelling errors and/or grammatical errors.

Presentation has three misspellings and/or grammatical errors.

Presentation has no more than two misspellings and/or grammatical errors.

Presentation has no misspellings or grammatical errors.

Eye Contact Student reads all of report with no eye contact.

Student occasionally uses eye contact, but still reads most of report.

Student maintains eye contact most of the time but frequently returns to notes.

Student maintains eye contact with audience, seldom returning to notes.

Timing Student presentation =< 7 mins or > 13 mins

Student presentation =7-8 mins or 11-13 mins

Student presentation =8-9:30 mins or 10:30-11 mins

Student presentation = 9:30 mins -10:30 mins

Elocution

Student mumbles, incorrectly pronounces terms, and/or speaks too quietly for students in the back of class to hear.

Student's voice is low. Student incorrectly pronounces terms. Audience members have difficulty hearing presentation.

Student's voice is clear. Student pronounces most words correctly. Most audience members can hear presentation.

Student uses a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation of terms so that all audience members can hear presentation.

Slide Implementation

All slides are bogged down w/ too many bullets or paragraphs; or student reads each slide word-for-word

Most slides are unnecessarily wordy; or student reads most slides; or two or more sections from the paper are not covered

A few slides are overly wordy; or one section from the paper is not covered

Slides have appropriate bulleting without being verbose; Student doesn’t read the slides word-for-word; and all sections of paper are covered.

AttireVery informal – ripped jeans, flip flops, ball cap, muscle shirt

Casual – blue jeans, t-shirt, sneakers

Dressy casual – golf shirt, khakis

Business formal – jacket, tie, dress shirt, slacks

Q & A Participation Total questions asked to presenters = 1-2

Total questions asked to presenters = 3-5

Total questions asked to presenters = 6-8

Total questions asked to presenters = 9+

Extra Credit for attending scientific talk – 5 points

*A total of 40 primary points and 5 extra credit points are available. Total Points: