Understanding Organic Chemistry in the World Around You

Purpose: Present a current event or issue to the class that has relevance to organic chemistry.

Format: Choose one of the following:

Posters should be organized as follows :
  1. Title: The title should be informative and interesting. (Author’s names are typically listed after the title).
  2. Introduction: Identify what the topic is and why it is of interest.
  3. Body: Explain basic chemistry related to the topic and explain why this chemistry is relevant. Showing molecular structures is one way to incorporate basic chemistry into the presentation. Clearly describe the issue and suggest how it may effect the general public now and in the future.
  4. Conclusion: Summarize in bullet format the issues and content of the poster.
  5. Discussion: State your opinions on the topic.
  6. References: Cite at least 1 chemistry text book and 2 articles from popular periodicals.
  7. Acknowledgements: Describe what contribution each group member made to the project. Thank anyone else who contributed to the project.

This assignment is worth 100 points. Both the instructor and your peers will evaluate your performance. Half of the grade will be determined by peer review and the other half via evaluation by the instructor. YOU MAY NOT EVALUATE YOUR OWN POSTER. One author must present the poster to interested peers and be available to answer questions. All students not presenting posters will be asked to evaluate other student’s posters. All students not participating in the panel discussion will be asked to evaluate the discussion.

 

 

Poster Review

I. Title: Does it inform you of the contents of the poster?

0 1 2 3 4 5

II. Introduction: Is an issue or question clearly identified and defined?

0 1 2 3 4 5

III. Body (content and presentation):

 
  • Did one of the authors explain the poster and answer questions?

0 1 2 3 4 5

  • Are aspects of basic organic chemistry explained?

0 - 30 _______

If yes, check which of the following apply:

 

____Molecular structure

 

____Identification of functional groups

 

____Other

 
  • Can you understand the poster?

0 1 2 3 4 5

  • Is it clear how this topic may affect the general public?

0 1 2 3 4 5

  • Are graphics used?

0 1 2 3 4 5

  • Is the poster esthetically pleasing? (minimum size is 3x5 ft; text should be large enough to read from 3 ft away, sections should be identified with subheadings, text should be original; not Xeroxed).

0 1 2 3 4 5

IV. Conclusion:

 
  • Is the body summarized with a few bullets?

0 1 2 3 4 5

  • Are the conclusions objective (free of opinions)?

0 1 2 3 4 5

V. Discussion: Is an informed opinion clearly stated?

0 1 2 3 4 5

VI. References: Are at least 2 periodicals (magazine, newspaper or scientific journal) and 1 reference book cited? Do references cited add depth to the presentation?

_____periodical #1 ____periodical #2 ____reference book

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

VII. Acknowledgements: If more than one author, are each members name and contributions listed? Check the name of each author who made a significant contribution: (Automatic 10 pts if only 1 author)

_____Author #1 (name)______________________

_____Author #2 (name)______________________

_____Author #3 (name)______________________

Comments:

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

 

 

 

 

 

Total _____________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Signature of Reviewer:__________________ Printed name:______________________

Is the format clearly explained and convincing?

Is the purpose of the discussion clearly stated?

With regard to groups presenting opposing opinions: Is the basic chemistry necessary to address the topic explained well enough to understand? Is the chemistry relevant to the topic? Are points clearly stated and supported by evidence? Do "experts" explain things clearly and make rational arguments?

With regard to panel (group 3): Are conclusions decisive and logically based on evidence presented? Does summary of conclusion have sufficient depth to illustrate all sides of the issue? Was each point of view considered?

 

Panel Review

Panel Topic:_________________________________________ Date:___________
  • Is the issue clearly defined?

0 1 2 3 4 5
  • Does each participant relate a basic aspect of organic chemistry to the topic?

If yes, check which of the following apply:

___Molecular structure

___Identification of functional groups

___Other? ________________

0 - 30 _____
  • Is the basic chemistry explained well enough for you to understand?

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • Is the chemistry relevant to the topic?

0 1 2 3 4 5
  • Is it clear how the issue affects the public?

0 1 2 3 4 5
  • Are points clearly stated and supported by evidence?

0 1 2 3 4 5
  • Do experts explain things clearly and make rational arguments?

0 1 2 3 4 5
  • Is evidence summarized?

0 1 2 3 4 5
  • Are conclusions drawn?

0 1 2 3 4 5
  • Are conclusions decisive and logically based on evidence presented?

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • Do conclusions have sufficient depth to illustrate all sides of the issue? Was each point of view considered?

0 1 2 3 4 5

  • References: Did each participant provide at least 3 references and either show references on an overhead or pass out copies of a list of references to the class.

___ Periodical #1 (magazine, newspaper or journal)

___ Periodical #2 (magazine, newspaper or journal)

___ Text book #1 (text or reference book)

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • Acknowledgments: Check the name of each participant who made a significant contribution?

___ participant #1 (name)________________

___ participant #2 (name)________________

___ participant #3 (name)________________

___ participant #4 (name)________________

___ participant #5 (name)________________

___ participant #6 (name)________________

 

participant #7 (name)________________

participant #8 (name)________________

participant #9 (name)________________

Comments (use back of page if necessary): Total Score:______________

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Signature of Reviewer:__________________ Printed name:______________________

 

 

 

Potential Poster Topics (focus on the aspect of the topic that interests you and but highlight organic molecules related to the topic. Showing molecules and identifying functional groups with tie chemistry to the topic:

Potential Topics for Panel Discussion:

???? Suggest Ideas????