High School Sample Assignments: Biology

2011-2012 NC Online Writing Instruction Content-specific SAMPLE Assignments

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

Coding: Essential Standards Bio = Biology

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 – Biology

Essential Standard and Standard Content Assignment for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Addressed Bio.4.1.1 Video and Support Material: RST.9-10.2 & 9 WHST.9-10.2, 4 & 9 Teacher Support Materials http://storybehindthescience.org/support.html  Characteristics of Science: Understanding Scientist and their Work http://storybehindthescience.org/pdf/characteristics.pdf  How to Use the Short Stories http://storybehindthescience.org/pdf/howtouse.pdf  Tips for Creating Effective Class Discussions http://storybehindthescience.org/pdf/tips1.pdf  Additional Tips for Creating Discussions in Large Group Settings http://storybehindthescience.org/pdf/tips2.pdf  Tips for Structuring Group Work http://storybehindthescience.org/pdf/tips3.pdf The Story Behind the Science (NSF Developed Instructional Materials Materials) http://storybehindthescience.org/

 Model Building: Piecing Together the Structure of DNA http://storybehindthescience.org/pdf/dna.pdf Annenberg Learner Interactive Websites: DNA http://www.learner.org/interactives/dna/index.html

Annenberg Learner Course: Rediscovering Biology- Unit 1: Genomics (Includes video, interactive labs, and text resources) http://www.learner.org/courses/biology/units/genom/index.html?pop=yes&pid=2035 2011-2012 NC Online Writing Instruction Content-specific SAMPLE Assignments

Scenario:

The Structure of DNA

Scientists worked for almost a hundred years to determine the story of genetic material. While textbooks identify the structure of DNA in a succinct paragraph there is a human story that unveils much about the nature of science- not only what we know but how it came to be known.

Informational

After reading information on the historical development of the understanding of the structure of DNA and other resources as needed, write a report that summarizes the structure of DNA and its importance in the field of genetics. Support your topic with evidence from your research. Include a bibliography of your sources.

Bio.3.1.2 Video and Support Material: RST.9-10.2 & 9 WHST.9-10.2, 4 & 9 The Story Behind the Science (NSF Developed Instructional Materials Materials) http://storybehindthescience.org/  Creativity and Discovery: The Work of Gregor Mendel http://storybehindthescience.org/pdf/mendel.pdf National Institute of Health(NIH) Unit: Human Genetic Variation http://science-education.nih.gov/supplements/nih1/Genetic/default.htm

Tech Museum of Stanford University : Feature Story: Understanding Genetics http://www.thetech.org/genetics/feature.php

NOVA video segment “Cracking the Code of Life” from Teachers’ Domain http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/genome/media/2809_q056_06.html

Scenario:

Creativity and Discovery: The Work of Gregor Mendel

The life and work of Gregor Mendel reveals an interesting story regarding the nature of science and the sometimes long road to acceptance of new ideas. Mendel is now known as the “Father of Genetics”.

Informative

After reading the article on the work of Gregor Mendel and other resources as needed, summarize the historical development of Mendel’s contributions to the field of biology. Be sure to support your topic with evidence from your research. Include a bibliography of your sources.