2011-2012 NC Online Writing Instruction

Content-specific SAMPLE Assignments

High School Sample Assignments: Science

Note: Teachersmay needto adjust the wording of writing assignments to meet the proficiency level of their English language learners and/or struggling readers. Teachersmayalso needto provide classroom modifications such as pictures, word walls, sentence starters, and sentence frames, as appropriate.

Coding:

Essential Standards

EEn = Earth/Environmental

Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects:

RST: Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects

WHST: Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects

Science–Earth/Environmental Science
Essential Standard and Standard for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Addressed / Content Assignment
EEn.2.1.1
RST.9-10.2 & 9
WHST.9-10.2, 4 & 9 / Video and Support Material:
Teacher Support Materials
  • Characteristics of Science: Understanding Scientist and their Work
  • How to Use the Short Stories
  • Tips for Creating Effective Class Discussions
  • Additional Tips for Creating Discussions in Large Group Settings
  • Tips for Structuring Group Work
The Story Behind the Science (NSF Developed Instructional Materials Materials)
  • Continents: A Jigsaw Puzzle with No Mechanism
  • Data Do Not Speak: The Development of a Mechanism for Continental Drift
Annenberg Learner Series:Earth Revealed –The Birth of a Theory (Session 5)
Scenario:
Development of the Theory of Plate Tectonics
The two articles “Continents: A Jigsaw Puzzle with No Mechanism” and “Data Do Not Speak: The Development of a Mechanism for Continental Drift” present the historical context for the development of the theory of plate tectonics.
Informational/Explanatory
After reading information on the historical development of the theory of plate tectonics and other resources as needed, write a report that summarizes the development of the theory of plate tectonics and its importance in the field of geology. Support your topic with evidence from your research. Include a bibliography of your sources.
EEn.2.6.4
RST.9-10.2 & 9
WHST.9-10.1, 4 & 9 / Video and Support Material:
The Story Behind the Science (NSF Developed Instructional Materials Materials)
  • The Realization of Global Warming
Annenberg Learner Course: The Habitable Planet- Unit 12: Earth’s Changing Climate (Includes video, interactive labs, and text resources)
Scenario:
Global Warming
Global climate change has become not only an issue for scientists, but also for society and subsequently politicians. How scientific data is interpreted by scientists as well as citizens lies at the heart of the issue. The question of the degree of impact by human activity and predictions of the resulting effect on the environment involves interpretation of research findings.
Argumentative
After watching the video, reading the article on global climate change and other resources as needed, write an essay that compares the competing arguments. Be sure to support your position with evidence from your research. Include a bibliography of your sources.