Task Writing a Research Paper
In this activity, you will prepare a 1,000- to 1,250-word research paper about the effects of human activity on ocean ecosystems. You will focus on one particular human activity that has a negative effect on the ecosystem. You’ll also compare and contrast at least three existing solutions to prevent or manage the problem. The human activity you choose should be specific, be realistic, and have predictable effects on the ecosystem. For example, deforestation is a specific human activity that has a negative effect on forest ecosystems. At the end of the paper, you will write a one- to two-paragraph proposal describing a program to educate citizens on this problem and encourage them to do their part to prevent it.

Follow the steps below and the links provided throughout the activity to help you complete your research and planning. This guide about the research process provides an overview of the steps you should take.

Part A: Ask Questions
The first stage in designing your paper is to make a list of questions to guide you as you research the topic. Here are some sample questions to get you started:

What are the biotic and abiotic components of ocean ecosystems?
What types of resources do humans get from the ocean?
What types of human activities negatively affect ocean ecosystems?
Which activity would you like to focus on for this paper?
How does this activity negatively affect ocean ecosystems?
What are some of the solutions people have come up with to address this problem?
What are the benefits of these solutions? What are the drawbacks?
Is any one solution clearly the best overall solution, or is each solution effective for different problems?
How can ordinary citizens make a difference to this problem?
How can I communicate the problem to citizens and encourage them to take action?
Once you’ve decided on your focus for the research paper, write three additional questions that you have about your specific area of focus.

Part B: Find Credible Sources
When designing a scientific research paper, look for the most credible sources. Science does not show bias, but we humans tend to show bias. Some sites and articles provide facts without proper scientific evidence. Avoid using information from such sites. You must be able to identify reliable sites so the data in your paper is credible.

Use sources that end in .gov (government sites), such as CDC. gov. They are reliable sources. You can also use sites ending in .edu. They can be deemed trustworthy. Sometimes, however, the information on .edu sites is written by students rather than scientists. Always find out who the author of the article is before proceeding. Some .org and .com sites are credible. However, you need to analyze the contents to verify their authenticity. As you review a source, always try to answer these questions:

Who authored the article?
Is this person a scientific expert in the topic area?
What is the purpose of the article?
Does the article state facts that scientists can prove with evidence?
Are there opinions in the article?
How old is the article?
Do other credible sources support the statements in this article?
Find some credible websites, and note the information they contain. Write down two or three sources that you will use for your presentation. Cite them using MLA (Modern Language Association) citation methods.

Part C: Draw a Model of the Problem
Question
Models help in demonstrating a process visually, even when we cannot observe the process. Draw a model that depicts the effect of your chosen activity on ocean ecosystems. Make sure to clarify each step so that even people unfamiliar with the problem can understand it. The model should be based on your own ideas and designs. It should not be copied from the web.

Part D: Organize Your Information
Create an outline to organize your paper. Write the outline for your paper in the space provided. You can organize your paper any way you think is best. It’s a good idea to follow these guidelines to write a five-paragraph essay. Be sure to account for the claim you’re making in your introduction. Also include a Works Cited page at the end.

Remember, right now you just need to structure your paper. You’re not writing the paper yet.

Part E: Writing Your Paper
Using your materials from this task, write your research paper. Its length should be 1,000 to 1,250 words. When you’ve finished writing the paper, be sure to proofread your work to catch any errors in grammar, spelling, logic, or organization. Submit your completed paper along with this activity.