Introduction
English 105 typically begins with a natural sciences unit, which introduces first-year students to scientific research and writing methods.
Popular natural sciences unit projects include:
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- Scientific Literature Review
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- Compiles and synthesizes research on a current scientific topic
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- Popular Science Writing (Article, Blog Post, Podcast, etc.)
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- Translates scientific research for a popular audience
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- Conference Poster
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- Presents scientific research in a succinct and visually appealing format
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- Grant Proposal
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- Communicates the impact and importance of scientific research
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- Scientific Literature Review
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Class Dynamics
English 105 classes are capped at 19 students. The class is structured around group work, and students often sit with their group members during class. Before leading activities that involve partner or group work, it may be helpful to check in with the English 105 instructor to find out if students are already working in partners or peer groups.
Slide Deck
Use this slide deck as the foundation for your English 105 natural sciences instruction session.
To get started planning your English 105 library session:
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- Make a copy of the slide deck and update it to include your contact information.
- The slide deck includes three standard activities that cover topic selection, keywords, and database searching. However, you can customize your lesson by selecting additional activities from the options below. To add a new activity, simply copy and paste the corresponding slides into your presentation.
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1. Topic Selection
Select from the following activities to guide students through topic selection:
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- Option 1: Card Catalog Brainstorm
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- Time: 10 minutes
- Lesson Plan – Card Catalog Brainstorm Activity
- Slides
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- Option 1: Card Catalog Brainstorm
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- Option 2: Basic Concept Mapping
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- Time: 10 minutes
- Lesson Plan – Basic Concept Mapping
- Slides
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- Option 2: Basic Concept Mapping
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2. Keywords
Select from the following activities to help students develop keywords for their research topics:
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- Option 1: Keyword Challenge
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- Time: 6 minutes
- Lesson Plan – Keyword Challenge Activity
- Keyword Challenge Worksheet (pdf)
- Keyword Challenge Worksheet(pdf with fillable text fields)
- Slides
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- Option 1: Keyword Challenge
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- Option 2: Heads Up!
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- Time: 6 minutes
- Lesson Plan – Heads Up!
- Keywords Worksheet
- Slides
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- Option 2: Heads Up!
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- Option 3: Pass the Research Question
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3. Database Searching
Select from the following activities to familiarize students with database searching:
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- Option 1: Speed Dating Databases
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- Time: 24 minutes
- Lesson Plan – Speed Dating Databases
- Speed Dating Databases Worksheet
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- This version of the worksheet asks students to explore Articles +, Academic Search Premier, and Scopus.
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- General Speed Dating Databases Worksheet
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- This version of the worksheet can be used with the databases of your choice.
- Be sure to adapt your slide deck with the databases you choose!
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- Slides
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- Option 1: Speed Dating Databases
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- Option 2: Database Dash
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- Time: 15 minutes
- Lesson Plan – Database Dash
- Database Dash Worksheet
- Slides
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- Option 2: Database Dash
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