Earth Science

Selection of Topic
Choose 1 of the following topics for your Comparative Essay:
1. Age of the earth (radioisotope dating vs. alternative methods)
2. Origin of coal (swamp forests vs. marine deposition)
3. Dating the rock layers seen in the Grand Canyon (old earth vs. young earth)
4. The fossil record (evidence of: long periods of time vs. short periods of time)
5. Mass extinctions in the fossil record (old-earth vs. young-earth)

Content and Outline
Use the following outline when writing your paper. Each point on the outline below must be a separate section (with the section heading, as indicated) within your paper.
I. Introduction
• Indicate which topic you chose from the list above.
• Indicate the purpose of your paper (i.e., to compare old-earth and young-earth viewpoints on your chosen topic).
II. Old-Earth Secular View
• What is the old-earth secular viewpoint and the evidence supporting that viewpoint on your chosen topic? Are there assumptions that are part of this viewpoint?
o Do not discuss the old-earth creationist viewpoint on your chosen topic. For a description of old-earth creationism, go to http://www.icr.org/article/4535/.
III. Young-Earth View
• What is the young-earth viewpoint and the evidence for that viewpoint on your chosen topic? Are there assumptions that are part of this viewpoint?
IV. Comparison of the Viewpoints
• Comparison is articulating similarities between the 2 viewpoints. What are the similarities (if any) in time, sequence, and processes involved?
• Be sure to provide at least 2 similarities (comparisons) between the viewpoints.
V. Contrast of the Viewpoints
• Contrast is articulating differences between the 2 viewpoints. What are the differences (if any) in time, sequence, and processes involved?
• Be sure to provide at least 2 differences (contrasts) between the viewpoints.
VI. Conclusion
• Provide a summary statement for your paper.
• Be sure to restate your purpose.
• Do not introduce new material in your conclusion.

Avoid using first person throughout the paper. Use of “I” or “we” should be avoided.

Length
This paper must be 1,000–1,500 words. Do not exceed this word limit. The title page and reference page do not count toward this word total.

Format
You must use current APA formatting. Papers must be double-spaced with 1-inch margins. Font is to be 12-point Times New Roman. Include a cover or title page with:
 paper title
 your name
 instructor’s name
 course number, section number and course name (i.e., PHSC 210 B21, Elements of Earth Science)
 date
There is no need to include an abstract in your paper.