Unit 1 Scientist Summary

 

Hi All,

Throughout this unit we have included some biographies of scientists working in the fields of study that we have covered in this class. We would like to hear what you think about their work, their story, and how it relates to your life. Please choose one scientist from the unit and write a short reflection paragraph in your own words (less than 250 words).

This is a reflection, not a test of knowledge. We are most interested in hearing why you chose the scientist and why their work is meaningful or interesting to you.

Rubric

Scientist Summary Rubric

Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Scientist	1 pts Full Credit Identified a scientist of interest from the assigned unit. 0 pts No Credit Did not identify a scientist of interest from the assigned unit.	1 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Research Area	1 pts Full Credit Provided a very brief summary of the scientist’s research area. 0 pts No Credit Did not provide a summary of scientist’s research area or summary is incorrect.	1 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Personal Relevance	1 pts Full Credit Explained why you picked this scientist and how their work is relevant to you. 0 pts No Credit Did not explain why you picked this scientist or how their work is relevant to you.	1 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Logic/Coherence	1 pts Full Credit Explanation of your own thoughts on scientist’s work is coherent and logical. 0 pts No Credit Summary is shallow, incoherent, illogical, or lacks effort.	1 pts
Total Points: 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scientist of Interest: Nina Jablonski

 

Biological anthropologist &

Paleobiologist

 

Evan Pugh University Professor of Anthropology Penn State University

 

She studies the evolution of human adaptations to the environment & focuses on the evolution of human skin and skin pigmentation.  She has a field project examining the relationship between skin pigmentation and vitamin D production. She also has a new study on the effects of race in South Africa. She is the convener of the “Effects of Race” (EOR) program, which will bring together select senior and junior scholars yearly to formulate new approaches to the study of race and the mitigation of racial discrimination.

 

https://sites.psu.edu/ninajablonski/

 

 

https://www.ted.com/talks/nina_jablonski_skin_color_is_an_illusion?language=en

 

 

 

 

Black in America:  It is not a race, a specific skin color, or a genetically homogenous group.  It is often a label of convenience for scientists. Black & white are not binary, many today are multi-racial. The term Black has a powerful cultural identity impact in the U.S., however.

 

Read:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/26/us/black-african-american-style-debate.html