Research Paper & Annotated References
9th grade Honors Biology Summer Assignment 2016-2017
Name:
Block:
Date:
Directions: You will select one of the following questions to research, complete your annotated
references assignment and write your research paper. The paper must include 10 credible sources (i.e.
NO Wikipedia) and should be 1000 words.
The two assignments are:
1) Annotated Reference Page (100 points) -- students will complete an annotated reference for all10
of their required sources. See the annotated reference information for additional information and
rubric. Turned in on due date with the rubric attached.
2) Research paper (100 points) -- 1000 word research paper. Must have 10 creditable sources and
all 10 source must be cited in the paper. The paper must follow APA format. See the rubric for
additional directions. Turned in on due date with the rubric attached.
Topic Choices:
1) How does Avian Influenza spread among birds?
2) What are the hypothesized causes of beehive collapse?
3) How are Fibonacci numbers expressed in humans?
4) Are dragonflies really nature’s control for mosquito infestations?
5) What is the true cause of Fibromyalgia?
6) What is the link between thyroid disease and middle aged women in America?
7) Could Smallpox be used as a weapon?
8) How can we fight leaf disease in agricultural plants?
9) In what ways are new life forms being classified in the rainforest?
10) How is the science of bionics (prosthetic limbs) being used in this day and age? What could be some future
uses of said appendages?
Paper Sections:
Introduction
Previous Research and Data on topic
Current Implications and Impact on Humans
Future Impacts
What additional research needs to be done?
*The provided rubrics must be attached to both assignments when they are turned in or you will lose 5
points.
Biology Research Paper Rubric
Tuscarora High School 2016-2017
Name:
Date:
Each quarter you will be required to write a 500-1000 word paper
highlighting research questions that you have discussed in class.
You will be required to have Citations in APA format and a separate
reference page.
Format: 10 points. Possible
 Typed on 8 ½ x 11” paper
 1 inch margins all around
 page # included on the upper right corner as a header
 12 font size; Times New Roman
 double spaced
 use italics for special scientific names only

Headings:
 center
 Title and References are not bolded
 Other headings are bolded and Title Case
Literature Review: 75 points possible
Content (55 points)
 written in 3rd person (no I, you, they) - 10 points
 introduction to the research topic - 5 points
 what is known about the topic- 20 points
 previous research/experiments about the topic- 5 points
 define unfamiliar terms-10 points
 Correct number of words 1000- 5 points
Citations (20 points)
 embedded citations where needed following a statement or
quote - 10 points
 all 10 scientifically valid sources in the reference section
should be cited in the paper in correct APA format- 10 points
REFERENCE section: 10 points possible
 10 different sources (minimum) in correct APA format
Grammar/Mechanics: 5 points possible
 Correct Spelling
 use of grammar & punctuation
 proper use of scientific terms
Total number of points
Block:
Self
Review
Grade
Teacher
Review
Grade
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10
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Possible
Points
100
------(Each
bullet
point is
worth 1
pt.)
7
(Each
bullet
point is
worth 1
pt.)
3
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75
5
100
Annotated Bibliography
9th grade Honors Biology Summer Assignment 2016-2017
Name:
Block:
Date:
An annotated bibliography page is a references page with annotations of your sources. An
annotation is a one to two paragraph summary of each source that includes



a description of the information;
how it is useful to your research and/or different from your other sources; and
your explanation of why the source is considered authoritative
An annotation is different than an abstract because it does more than just summarize the source; it also
evaluates the source and describes its relevance to your research.
Annotations are written in your own words - it is not acceptable to copy and paste abstracts or reviews
others have written about your source.
Formatting:
Each of your annotations should be placed directly below the reference to which it belongs in your
references page. The paragraph(s) should be indented under its reference and double-spaced.
Example of an annotated reference:
Annotated References Rubric
9th grade Honors Biology Summer Assignment 2016-2017
Name:
Block: ____ Date:
______
CATEGORY
20 points
16 points
12 points
8 points
0 points
10 sources that
provide
information
about the topic
you selected
Document has
required
number of
sources.
Document is
missing 1-2
sources.
Document is
missing 3-4
sources.
Document is
missing 5-6
sources.
Document is
missing 7 or
more sources.
10 points
8 points
6 points
4 points
2 points
All sources
cited can be
considered
reliable and/or
trustworthy.
1-2 sources are
not reliable or
trustworthy.
3-4 sources are
not reliable or
trustworthy.
5-6 sources are
not reliable or
trustworthy.
7 or more
sources are
NOT reliable or
trustworthy.
40 points
30 points
20 points
10 points
0 points
The annotations
sufficiently and
succinctly
evaluate and
summarize the
sources.
1-2 annotations
DO NOT
sufficiently and
succinctly
evaluate and
summarize the
sources.
3-4 annotations
DO NOT
sufficiently and
succinctly
evaluate and
summarize the
sources.
5-6 annotations
DO NOT
sufficiently and
succinctly
evaluate and
summarize the
sources.
7 or more
annotations DO
NOT
sufficiently and
succinctly
evaluate and
summarize the
sources.
30 points
24 points
18 points
12 points
0 points
All citations are
formatted
correctly in the
document.
There are 1-2
formatting
errors in the
document’s
citations.
There are 3-4
formatting
errors in the
document’s
citations.
There are 5-6
formatting
errors in the
document’s
citations.
There are 7 or
more formatting
errors in the
document’s
citations.
20 points
Quality
/Reliability of
Sources
10 points
Writing
fluency of
annotations
-describe
information
- explain why
source is valuable
- how will the
source help you
with your research
paper
40 points
APA Format
30 points
Total Points:
/100