What is the history that has led to our current understanding of the topic you are researching?

You must have in text citations and a reference
section that abides by a particular reference style (APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, etc). The style does not
matter but choose one and stick with that one.
For the GSC 103 Written Assignment you will be required to write a 1000 word research paper on any of the topics
listed on the syllabus for this course (A list of topics can be found below).

As you research your topic, I would like you to consider the following questions:
1) What is the history that has led to our current understanding of the topic you are researching?
2) Who are the main players involved in this research?
-In other words, who were the scientists involved in the discovery / major advancements in the
history and evolution of the subject (if your topic has any)?
3) What are the major processes (physical and / or chemical) involved in your topic?
4) How does your topic affect our world, today?
-If you are researching a subject involved with deep time, how does it influence our thinking and
understanding of our place on this planet, today?
-If you choose energy and mineral resources, what are their environmental and economic
impacts?
You do not necessarily have to incorporate all of these questions into your writing, but I want them to be a
guide for you to use as you research your topic if you are in need of help. No requirement here.
When I grade these papers I will be looking for the following:
1) Organization—I want to see that you can present your ideas in a clear and organized way.
2) Detail—research (and really any) papers require a close eye to detail. I understand that we are not all
wordsmiths, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have to properly take the time to read and check our
work. Sloppy papers reflect the intention of the writer, so just take some extra time to read and
appreciate your product.
3) Consistency—you must use citations to correctly reference your work. The particular format you choose
is not important, so long as it is consistent. If you have any questions regarding proper citation use,
please ask.
4) Time—although these papers are not long, I want to see that you took this project seriously and spent
the time to adequately research your writing. This goes beyond organization, detail, and consistency. I
want to see that time was taken to thoroughly and properly execute the research of your particular topic

Structure of the Earth
Plate Tectonics
Atoms, Crystals, Minerals, Rocks
Igneous rocks
Weathering and Soil
Sedimentary Rocks
Metamorphic Rocks
Volcanoes
Earthquakes
Crustal Deformation
Mass Wasting
Relative and Absolute Dating
Energy Resources
Mineral Resources
The Atmosphere
Streams and Floods
Groundwater
Ocean Currents
Tides and Coasts
Deserts
Ice Ages
Glacial Geology
Climate Chang

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