SCIENCE CURRENT EVENT ASSIGNMENT (30 points)



SCIENCE CURRENT EVENT ASSIGNMENT

Science is constantly advancing and new discoveries and ideas replace older ones. It is very important for scientists to stay up to date with current events in science. For this assignment you will use the science magazine, Odyssey to select an article for reporting on a current event in science.

Part 1: Research and Notes

A. Research:

o In the library, there will be a selection of Odyssey magazines available for you read.

o The topic of your article should be related to the life sciences (health, diseases, plants, animals, etc.).

o Select an article that is about two pages in length so that you have enough information to write a three paragraph essay about the topic.

o You can also access the article from home by going to the district web site at > gcms > library >Online Databases > Cobblestone Online > login: grover > password: student > magazine: Odyssey > select date and year of article.

B. Notes:

o Use the graphic organizer provided to gather information about the article that you have selected.

o If necessary, use the blank page on the back side of the organizer to take additional notes.

Part 2: Three Paragraph Essay

A. Write a three paragraph essay (your paragraphs should have at least 4 sentences each.) based on your article.

Paragraph 1 (Introduction)

• Explain the main idea of the article.

Paragraph 2 (Supporting Evidence)

• Provide background information about the article( Who, What ,Where, When , Why, and How)

Paragraph 3 (Conclusion)

• Why is this discovery important to you/ us? /Your reaction to the article.

A well written essay includes:

1. A clear introduction paragraph that highlights the thesis (main idea) of the essay.

2. A well-structured supporting paragraph that begins with a ‘Topic Sentence’ and followed with supporting details.

3. A creative closing that reiterates the main idea of the essay.

4. Make use of transition words and phrases to flow between your sentences and to allow the reader to see that you are moving to a new point.

5. Write exciting paragraph-hook sentences.

* Please refer to the information-handouts packet for instructions on writing.

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B. The final copy of your essay must be typed:

o Times New Roman 12 pt font.

o Heading should include your name, title of the article, author, publication name, and the date.

Example:

Due Date: ____________________

Typed Final Draft

Hand Written Rough Draft

Notes (Graphic Organizer)

|Research Notes : |Possible Points |Points Earned |

|Information is thorough and complete | | |

|Notes turned in on time |20 |______ |

| | | |

| |5 |______ |

| | | |

|Essay: | | |

|Correct Formatting/On Time (Typed, 12 pt Times New Roman, etc.) | | |

|Introductory paragraph includes the main idea of the article. | | |

|Supporting paragraph provides the evidence from the article. |10 |______ |

|Concluding paragraph describes the importance of this information to| | |

|our everyday lives and the student’s reaction to the article. | | |

| | | |

| |15 |______ |

| | | |

| | | |

| |15 |______ |

| | | |

| | | |

| | | |

| |15 |______ |

| | | |

|Spelling/ Grammar |10 |______ |

| | | |

|“In my own words” |10 |______ |

| | | |

|TOTAL POINTS |100 |______ |

GRADE ______________

Name ____________________________ Date _________

Part 1: Research and Notes

Directions: Complete the following graphic organizer as you conduct your research.

Main Idea Background Information

Conclusion: Describe your reaction to the article.

Rough Draft of Essay:

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Who:

What:

Where:

When:

Why:

How:

Name ____________________________________________________ Date __________

Current Events Rubric

Name ___________________________________________________ Date ___________

Why is this discovery important to us?

How do you feel about the topic and why?

Title:

Author:

Source:

Date of Publication:

Your Name: November 11, 2010

“Hints on Dark Matter and a Wealth of Planets”

By Dennis Overbye

The New York Times

November 8, 2010

Essay written here…

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