Scaffolded Final Paper

Abstract

This assignment was created as a capstone project for a course that focuses on biodiversity and conservation science. Specifically, the paper spotlights a threatened species in its ecosystem, evaluating the threats the species faces and the conservation efforts proposed or in place. Throughout the course, students engage a number of debates about both sides of a conservation issue and articulate arguments in defense of one side or the other in small groups. After a semester of practice building arguments, the final paper includes this sense of presenting evidence to support one's position: the assignment invites students to choose a species that has been federally proposed for a change in its conservation status. Students then not only profile the species and its ecosystem but also argue on behalf or against the proposed change in status. Built into this assignment is a rough draft writing workshop in which students participate in creating a concept map for their papers and also in peer review. This assignment gives students flexibility in choosing a species that piques their interest. The scaffolding of the assignment through the semester helps students structure their work on the assignment over time and allows them to get feedback and experience critiquing each other's work.