Directions: Select a TOPIC or issue in physical and /or biological oceanography that has been explored in the popular media. Identify and read a contemporary discussion, account, or commentary from a mainstream news outlet (article, podcast, radio transcript2) in the past 12 months. To organize your thoughts, use the template provided. Summarize the TOPIC in one sentence. List three KEY POINTS to the article that you would like to explore in more detail. Next, explore the primary scientific literature related to the topic and key points that you have identified, and collect EVIDENCE that either supports or refutes the authors key points. Finally, provide your SYNTHESIS based on the weight of evidence.
Paper Format (Content): Your paper must follow the format described here. Each part of the numbered list should be a stand-alone paragraph. As a general rule, paragraphs should be roughly half a page in length.
1. TOPIC Introduction: Summarize the rationale for the article.
2. KEY POINT 1: Using the first key point as a topic sentence, provide supporting / refuting
evidence.
3. KEY POINT 2: Using the first key point as a topic sentence, provide supporting / refuting
evidence.
4. KEY POINT 3: Using the first key point as a topic sentence, provide supporting / refuting
evidence.
5. SYNTHESIS: Summarize the state of the science as well as your evaluation of how the TOPIC was
treated for the general public. Provide both positive as well as critical evaluations.
Paper Format (Style): The final paper must be typed using Times New Roman font at 12 pts. Line spacing must be set to single space and paragraphs must by right justified. Paper length must not exceed 1200 words (3 pages).
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/02/09/la-nina-is-out-and-el-nino-is-coming-heres-what-that-means-for-our-weather/
