How to make a good science post: avoiding plagiarism.

Here are a few pointers and reminders for making a good post for your blog.  Stay on topic.  Build on your blog as you learn more about it.  For a full-credit post you will need to write about your topic in your own words.  Cutting and pasting a few paragraphs from another website or copying text from another source is plagiarism.  Check out this website for more detailed descriptions of plagiarism and tips on avoiding plagiarism.  Plagiarism is a serious academic offense.  Consequences can be unpleasant and will vary depending on where you go to school.  Common punishments/consequences etc. are:

1. Getting a Zero for the assignment
2. Failing the course
3. Being referred to the Dean's office 
4. Being placed on academic probation
5. Dismissal from Honors Programs
6. Dismissal from school
7. Not being accepted to graduate or professional programs.  

Many colleges use a service called "Turnitin" that check student papers for plagiarism.  Its also very easy for faculty to plug your sentences into Google to look for matches.  That being said, I know most of you (my students in this class) are freshmen and may not understand what Plagiarism means.  You are now informed.  My students can review school policy on plagiarism by referring to the Student Handbook.  Do not plagiarize. For more info visit the TAMU Writing Center website.