Organism Newspaper Project: Activity



KINGDOMS IN THE NEWS (Honors)A Newspaper of Biological DiversityIntroduction to the StudentIn this project, you will get to be both creative and informative as you research different groups of organisms and address their variations and adaptations for survival. You will be writing a variety of news articles about these organisms and their functions and compiling them into an organized newspaper. A rubric, peer review, and teacher guidance will be provided to help you achieve both higher-level literacy skills and higher order thinking skills.Purpose To learn about the classification and diversity of each KingdomTo learn about the general morphology and cell structure of each KingdomTo learn about the structural & behavioral adaptations that enable survivalTo demonstrate the proper use of content vocabulary in contextMaterials NeededTextbooks, reference books, and Internet access to research each topicNotebook paper for hand-written rough drafts for EACH article (Due: ____________________________)Computer with word processing capability for final version of EACH article (Due: ____________________________)Recording device for video/multimedia production of ONE article (Due: ____________________________)ProcedureResearch information and write newspaper articles about organisms in the following groups pertaining to each specific topic. Each article about these organisms should use unit vocabulary and incorporate specific evolutionary adaptations that make each organism a living thing, including:Structural characteristics, lifestyles, and behaviors of the organismsStructural and functional differences among the various groups of organisms Systems (transport, excretion, respiration, nutrition, synthesis, reproduction, growth and development). In other words, you must include the characteristics of living things for each kingdom topic!Present these articles in a typed, edited, and organized newspaper format. Note which type of article applies to each group of organisms and topic. Descriptions of each article type and of proper newspaper formatting are provided on the following pages.DATE DUETOPICARTICLE TYPE* ARTICLE FORMAT CHOSENPOINTS POSSIBLEPOINTS EARNEDTransport: Plant and AnimalRequired10Respiration: Bacteria and AnimalRequired10Nutrition & Excretion: Fungi & Any 2 KingdomsRequired10Growth & Development: Bacteria and Any KingdomRequired10Reproduction: Bacteria, Protist, PlantRequired10Behavior: Plants and AnimalsRequired10Video Newscast Produced in addition to Lead Story #210Transport and Excretion: Protist and AnimalAlternate10Respiration: Vertebrates and InvertebratesAlternate10Nutrition: Bacteria and Plant, or Bacteria and AnimalAlternate10Reproduction, Growth, Development: Any 2 Kingdoms – Your ChoiceAlternate10OPTIONAL: Additional enrichment articles on any topicAlternate +5 per articleOverall Newspaper Formatting*20FINAL NEWSPAPER130Descriptions of Required vs. Alternate Article Types:REQUIRED FORMATS (with descriptions). Each article type may only be used once. Lead Story #1Example: METEOR HITS EARTH: WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ALL OF THE PLANTS?Scientific news story about the characteristics of a kingdom(s) of organisms that focuses on the differences and similarities that cause these organisms to be grouped differently. This type of article usually is about a newly breaking story. You may be writing about something that is NOT “newly breaking”, but you will write the article as if it was. Your story should answer the 5 W’s – who, what, where, when, and why. There should be a great deal of factual information, and because you are writing as a reporter, there should be no bias or point of view in this article.Newscast/Lead Story #2Example: PENICILLIN FLOOD SWEEPS ACROSSE BACTERIOPOLIS: ONLY A FEW SURVIVORSScientific news story about the characteristics of the Kingdom(s), their general functions, and how they relate to or compare to each other. You should mention at least two major evolutionary adaptations and the probable functions of those adaptations towards survival. It should also answer the 5 W’s and be unbiased. In addition to writing the article, you will also (as a group) produce a ‘video newscast’ of this story that will be presented to the class.Personal Interest News StoryExample: HURRICANE HITS NC: FUNGI AFFECT THE AFTERMATH This is about a specific organism. Describe its characteristics, lifestyle, adaptations and behaviors that increase survival, and its endangerment status (if needed). A story such as this is a “human interest” story: it answers the 5 W’s but also evokes sympathy in the reader.Feature StoryExample: INTERVIEW WITH BLACK MOLD: SURVIVING THE STORM OF THE CENTURYThis feature would include a mock interview with an organism from a different group than the one you used in your personal interest news story. You are permitted to deal with similar topics as previous articles, but you will write it up as an interview. You can use the Q/A format if you wish. ReviewExample: NIGHTMARE ON BACTERIA STREET, PART IVReview of a magazine article, movie, or chapter in a book about an organism from a different group than the personal interest and feature story. First you need to read the article or watch the movie, and then you need to review the item. You should state the title, author, date, and any other relevant information. Then you need to summarize the information. Finally, you will state whether you liked the item or not and why. You are permitted to reference a fictitious magazine, article, movie, or book as long as you provide enough details of the imaginary plot.Editorial and Letter to EditorExample: SHOULD WE HAVE ZOOS? Or NEW LIMIT ON CAGE SIZE IS DISCRIMINATORY In an editorial, you will argue some ethical issue involved with the organisms. Editorials are written in essay form and express the opinion of the editorial board. An editorial usually has four parts (opinion about something, examples, conclusion, and suggestions for actions that the reader might take). A letter to the editor is from someone who argues the other side of the ethical issue discussed in the editorial, or from someone who is pretending to argue the other side of a different ethical issue that is clearly stated. This letter should also use examples and will be written from the P.O.V. of some character that you invent.ALTERNATE FORMATS (with descriptions). Each article type may only be used once (if used at all).Cartoon Strip Must be created by you (aka original!). You can use characters from the comic pages of a real newspaper, but you should credit your source. The topic and frames need to be original and should focus on organisms – structures, functions, behaviors, etc.Editorial Cartoon Related to the behavior of organisms. Editorial cartoons express opinions using humor – often ironic or sarcastic. Advice column Where you write a question from the point of view of an organism, and then answer that question from your point of view. The question should involve a behavior or other aspect of that animal’s life. Make sure you answer the question in your response!Example: If researching invertebrates, you might write: “Dear Dr. Bugs, I am a lonely female praying mantis. I have just eaten the head off my mate and I am left with all these children. I would like a new mate. What should I do?”Obituary About someone who was important in research involving organisms. An obituary of this type will tell about the famous person and describe their career, discoveries, and awards, as well as a little about their personal life. Or, you could write an obituary about a non-human organism (and their death by another organism) if you prefer. Example: Carolus Linnaeus, Jane Goodall, and Rachel CarsonWant Ads This could be something that an organism is selling that is related to its behavior or structures or lifestyle (i.e. “nest for sale, carefully crafted from sticks and stray pieces of lint”). Or, you can write about an organism that is ‘wanted’ for something negative or impactful they have done or are doing. Advertisements This would be for a product related to an organism – ex: “for sale: male pine cones”)Sports This could be a article about organism “athletics” – like bears catching salmon with their claws, how fast cheetahs can run, how well plants disperse seeds, etc. But, write it up like a real sports article.Wedding Announcements or Birth Announcements Example: “ProtistMed announces birth of new paramecia”Police Log Example: Young male baboons apprehended for stealing females from a troop.Horoscope Example: Characteristics of a “Virgo” frog, addressing adaptations for survival in JuneWeather Example: Rainy day brings beautiful weather for earthworms (while indicating adaptations for survival)OVERALL NEWSPAPER FORMATTINGTo earn full credit for the ‘overall newspaper formatting’ portion of the rubric, the following are other details that you should include in your newspaper. Newspapers missing the proper formatting will not receive full credit. ?Masthead and Banner - runs across the entire width of the top of the first page – gives the name of the paper (i.e.: “The Organism Times”), the day of the week, the date, and the cost.?Index – table of contents should be in a box somewhere on the first page.?Headline for each story – a title over an article that sort of summarizes the story.?Byline – Each story should have the name of the writer, placed above the article and under the headline.?Pictures and graphics – you should have at least 3 pictures total – you can even use your own artwork!Caption: each picture should have an explanatory note above or below it with a detailed description of what is in the pictureCredit Line: you should give the source of each picture (i.e. citation or name of artist)You should use the charts below to help organize your thoughts as you plan each article. These checklists will help you accomplish two things: 1) ensure that each article thoroughly addresses the topics for each kingdom included in the article and 2) write an engaging article that might be seen in a newspaper versus a report. These charts should be turned in and filled out by you as evidence that the writing and content requirements have not only been met, but also reviewed and proofread. Organizer #1: How do I write a newspaper article?QUESTION EACH ARTICLE SHOULD ANSWERHOW IS THE ANSWER FOUND WITHIN YOUR ARTICLE?WHAT IS ITS SIGNIFICANCE TO THE PLOT OF THE STORY?Who are the main characters interacting with?What is the issue, concern, or event?Where is the significant place this story occurs?When is the significant time or period this story is taking place?Why is it important that this issue is occurring or why it needs to be resolved?How does the story get resolved, impact the organisms involved, or impact others?WRITING TIPS:?In the first one or two sentences of your articles you should give the who, what, when, where and why of the subject. You should also try to “hook” your audience: find something unique, clever, or surprising to start with. ?Be sure to include details and examples. Quotes are useful (even made-up ones!).?Have a concluding paragraph that ties everything together. A memorable last sentence can conclude a news article nicely. Avoid phrases such as “In conclusion… or “To finish…” ?Use active words – verbs that are exciting! “The man dashed headlong into the crowd” is better than “The man ran fast.”?Generally, for your main feature articles, you should write in the 3rd person.?Keep your articles focused on the topic and don’t include unrelated information.?In your interviews, use some verbs other that “said.” You could use words such as “commented,” “uttered,” “declared,” “voiced,” etc. Feel free to use a thesaurus!?Don’t use flowery descriptions in your articles. Those types of descriptions are for novels, not news.?Create your headline AFTER you have written the report – you will be better able to create a catchy headline after you have actually determined the content of the article.?You should use graphics and pictures – very important in newspapers! You can even use your own artwork.?BE SURE YOU DO CAREFUL research so that you know what you are talking about. Always verify and check your sources before taking what you read for granted.?DO NOT copy work from the Internet – this writing must be anizer #2: How do I write about these topics in my newspaper?TOPICDoes it includes specific cell processes?Does it reference specific characteristics of life for each organism/kingdom?Addresses who, what, when, where, why, how?Reviewed for spelling and grammar as well as reviewed by TWO PEERS Summarize briefly below.Initial (1x)Initial here (3x)Transport: Plant and AnimalRespiration: Bacteria and AnimalNutrition & Excretion: Fungi & Any 2 KingdomsGrowth & Development: Bacteria & Any KingdomReproduction: Bacteria, Protist, PlantBehavior: Plants and AnimalsTransport and Excretion: Protist and AnimalRespiration: Vertebrates and InvertebratesNutrition: Bacteria & Plant, or Bacteria & AnimalReproduction, Growth, Development: Any 2 KingdomsTransport: Plant and AnimalEXTRA 1EXTRA 2EXTRA 3Explanations of the Characteristics/Functions of LifeNC Biology Essential Standard 2.1.2. Analyze how various organisms accomplish life functions through adaptations within particular environments (example: water or land) to ensure survival and reproductive success.Transport & Excretion – how organisms get what they need to cells, how they move waste from cells to organs of excretion; focus is on maintaining balance in pH, salt, and water Respiration – how different organisms take in and release gases (examples: carbon dioxide, water, oxygen); processes including anaerobic and aerobic cellular respirationNutrition – feeding adaptations and how organisms get nutrition (examples: autotroph, heterotroph) and how they break down and absorb food (examples: decomposers)Reproduction -- sexual vs. asexual, eggs, seeds, spores, placental, types of fertilizationGrowth and Development – unicellular, multicellular, cell division, cell specialization and differentiation, specialized adaptations Behavioral Adaptations – suckling, taxes/taxis, migration, estivation and hibernation, habituation, imprinting, classical conditioning, trial and error learningAUTHOR NAME: _________________________________PERIOD: ________________ DATE: _______________SELF/PEER REVIEW & TEACHER EVALUATION: IS EACH ARTICLE A 4?HighLowREQUIRED FORMATS43211st Scientific Lead Story2nd Scientific Lead StoryPersonal InterestFeature StoryReview of itemEditorial opinionLetter to EditorALTERNATE FORMATS4321Editorial CartoonAdvice ColumnObituaryCartoon StripBirth/Death AnnouncementWant AdPuzzleSportsWeatherPolice LogAdvertisementHoroscopeOUTSTANDING (4)HIGH LEVEL (3)MODERATE (2)LOW (1)Article is authentic, and if information needs to be referenced, uses proper citations.Article is authentic, and if information needs to be referenced, uses proper citations.Article lacks enough authenticity. More information appears to be copied directly from sources than used in writer’s own words.Article lacks enough authenticity. More information appears to be copied directly from sources than used in writer’s own words.Written expression and form are excellent. Article does not read as a report.Written expression and form are good. Article does not read as a report.Written expression and form are average. Article reads more like a report.Written expression and form are weak. Language is not appropriate to newspaper writing.Article has good examples that are representative of each noteworthy kingdom/phylum/organism.Article is about the right length and has examplesArticle needs more depth and examplesArticle is lacking depth, is too short, or has no examples Article is extremely well organizedArticle is fairly well organizedOrganization of the article lacks a clear direction.Article is lacking depth, is too short, or has no examples No grammar, paragraphing, spelling errorsOnly 1-2 grammar, paragraphing, spelling errorsSeveral grammar, paragraphing, spelling errorsMany grammar mistakes and spelling errorsGraphics and/or pictures are appropriateGraphics and/or pictures are appropriate.Graphics and/or pictures are limitedGraphics and/or pictures are missingDemonstrates the proper use of all listed kingdom vocabulary in contextDemonstrates the proper use of most listed kingdom vocabulary in contextDemonstrates the proper use of only a few listed kingdom vocabulary in contextDoes not demonstrates the proper use of listed kingdom vocabulary in contextDemonstrates to a high degree of detail how representative organisms accomplish specific life functions (transport, excretion, nutrition, respiration, reproduction, growth, development)Demonstrates to an average degree of detail how representative organisms accomplish specific life functionsDemonstrates to a low degree how representative organisms accomplish specific life functionsRare descriptions or details of how representative organisms accomplish specific life functions ................
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