Prompt Using the question that you posed in Project 2, explain why the answer is important for understanding yourself, other people, and the world around you. In addition, you will discuss how the natural sciences have developed to help us answer these important questions. Your presentation should include speaker notes so that your instructor knows what you would be saying if you were actually giving the presentation. The critical elements of this project will be evaluated by the information in your presentation. Be sure your actual question is apparent in the presentation. Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed: I. Why is the question you identified important to you as a member of society? II. Explain how finding the answer to your question might impact others around you. For example, who might be most interested in the answer to your question? III. Explain why studying the natural sciences is valuable. In other words, what is the benefit of studying topics in the natural sciences? IV. Describe the major developments in the natural sciences related to your topic. Use course resources to back up your discussion. V. Detail the major developments in scientific thinking that support the study and advancement of the natural sciences as necessary and valuable. Use course resources to back up your discussion. VI. How do these developments in the natural sciences and scientific thinking inform questions about the topic in your news story? In other words, what is the relationship between major developments in the natural sciences and the questions that natural scientists are interested in? VII. Discuss the obligation that you have as a citizen of your society to understand the science behind issues that impact you every day. For instance, how can being a more scientifically informed member of society benefit you and your community? Review the Presentation Supporting Resources document to help you create your presentation.

Part 1  Reflect: The United States has one of the lowest voter turnout rates among modern democratic political systems. During the last decade, many initiatives have been undertaken to increase voter participation, yet concerns about the possibility of election fraud have also increased. Additionally, some political interests feel threatened by the increase in turnout among some traditionally low-turnout ethnic minorities. Several states have recently passed legislation imposing new registration and identification requirements. This has sparked debate about whether these are tactics intended to suppress turnout or to prevent fraud. Think about the media’s role in the election process and how both mass media and social media can impact the election process. How has the media’s role changed in recent years, especially considering President Trump’s stance on “fake news”? Write: In your initial post, Describe voter ID laws in a state of your choosing. Summarize any recent developments or controversies regarding voter ID laws in the state you have chosen. Analyze and describe the pros and cons on both sides of the debate about these laws. Is voter fraud a major problem for our democracy, or are some groups trying to make it harder for some segments of society to vote? Analyze the impact that media (mass and social) has had in influencing public opinion, specifically regarding voter ID laws. How was the Trump/Clinton election in 2016 impacted by voter laws and the media? This web page provides an overview of some of the differences in Voter ID laws in the different states: Voting Laws & Requirements: Voting Methods and Options (Links to an external site.). Part 2  This discussion forum allows you the opportunity to explore topics that interest you and relate to United States government and the political processes we are discussing. Within this forum, you will share critical insights and discuss questions and issues that we are studying, share your personal challenges and successes, and discuss any concepts that you do not completely understand that have been discussed or addressed in our materials this week. Your initial post should focus on your personal experience within the course over the past week and should prompt further discussion from your classmates. Please be sure to address the following questions: What was your experience like utilizing Ashford’s Writing Center? Did you find the feedback they provided helpful for your Final Paper? How will you incorporate this feedback into your Final Paper? Share some of the insights the feedback provided you. In addition to the questions above, also address at least one of the following questions as you reflect on the learning week: What was the most interesting and/or intriguing concept you learned about during this week? Are there any current events that you can recall that relate to the course concepts we are studying this week? What insights have you had? What concepts are causing you to struggle? What questions have arisen for you at this point? Do you have any helpful tips or ideas to help students better understand the material and course concepts? What questions do you have regarding any of the discussions or assignments that your classmates might be able to provide insight?