Disaster+Project

This project requires the submission of a news report about a topic you have selected from an approved list. This news report can be submitted in writing, as a newspaper reporter would, or as a video file, as a television reporter would. In either case, the text of your story must be submitted no later than Tuesday, May 27 as a rough draft. The final copy will be due on Monday, June 2.

You may work with a partner, if you choose to do so. The final news report must incorporate the relevant facts about each disaster, as well as a creative connection that tie the two news stories together.


 * Your project will be graded according to the following standards:**
 * Project clearly and accurately identified the time and place of the news story.
 * Project clearly and accurately described what happened and who was affected.
 * Project clearly and accurately described the scientific principles behind the disaster.
 * Project clearly and accurately described why this event is newsworthy.
 * Project incorporated clear and accurate maps and diagrams to supplement the text.
 * Project incorporated trustworthy sources and listed them according to UM standards.
 * Project was presented with high standards of organization, style, and writing conventions.
 * Project was submitted on-time and according to guidelines.

All categories will be graded on a 1-5 point scale, and final score will be doubled.


 * The following sites can help you understand the role of a reporter:**
 * [|Writing the News Story: Beginning Reporting]
 * [|How to Write a News Story: MediaCollege.com]
 * [|Ira Glass: Tips on Storytelling]


 * The following sites can help you understand the expectations for writing and research:**
 * [|PA Writing Standards]
 * [|Researching Through Online Databases] (Use Any Listed Under General Reference)
 * [|Managing References and Bibliography] (NoodleTools)