First, I would like to publicly say what a joy it has been to work with Paula, Madeline, and Taylor. Although we have much in common, as writers our thinking varies. Yet, through the process of collaborating our research, our unique writing talents have helped us produce a product of which I am not only proud of, but one in which I could not have done alone. Our Collaborative Research Paper meshes our thoughts and our creativity to form a unique writing piece.

          The Google Doc feature was priceless to us. Through the use of this technological tool, we were able to collaborate no matter where we were or the time of day. We could discuss through the “chat” box any questions or points with which we needed help. We were also able to edit each other’s sections as needed.

          The finished product includes a traditional research paper, a video clip, a chart depicting our survey results, and a glimpse of the Google Doc we used to collaborate on our piece. The research section contains the facts about ammonia, the purposes for which ammonia is used, a highlighted section of how it specifically used in meat manufacturing, and finally, a section discussing possible alternatives to ammonia as meat filler.

          We included a clip to reinforce to the reader the risk of using ammonia and to connect the reader to a personal testimonial of how ammonia affects our food. The video clip is very compelling and we felt the reader would be just as horrified to hear the meat manufacturing process as we were. The pie chart depicts the incredible issue of awareness. The fact that, as chart indicates, an overwhelming number of people do not realize that ammonia is used in meat manufacturing, solidifies one of the key points of our paper. Most people are not aware, and therefore do not know to challenge or question the health risks.

          Ultimately, the goal of our paper was to bring awareness to people regarding ammonia and how ammonia is used in manufacturing beef. I think we accomplished this goal, at least within the realm of our world.

 
         To begin our Collaborative Research project, Madeline, Paula, Taylor, and I discussed the many riveting details of the movie Food Inc. We discussed the key points that led us to want to know more. The one resounding topic that entered all of our minds was the use of ammonia in meat filler. None of us were aware of the fact that not only was ammonia used, but what the underlying health risks would be. Based on our current knowledge, ammonia was a highly potent and gaseous cleaning product. As a group, we decided to each set out and do some independent research and form ideas on how we should approach the project.

          The following week we met and had learned many new things. First, we were made of the fact that ammonia is actually produced in the body and within the environment. The controversy arises as to how much ammonia is deemed safe within the human body. At the same time, we were able to devise a plan as to the elements we felt were important to our Collaborative Research Paper. We felt it was key to bring awareness to consumers as well as present the factual information about ammonia and its varying uses.

          At this point, we each took a section of paper that we would like to investigate and to report our findings. In order to effectively collaborate, we set up a Google Doc. This technological tool affords us the opportunity to not only write our own sections, but to help each other through the editing process. We were also able to collaborate in effectively making the paper cohesive and have a natural, appealing flow and presentation.

          While in the process of forming our written piece, we were able to add other forms of genres to help enhance our piece. The idea of adding a video clip as well as conducting our own survey came to light. We all agreed this would add a nice touch to our Research paper.

          The polished product is in its final stages…the finished product is yet to come!