High School Sample Assignments: Science

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 Phy = Physics

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 - Physics

Essential Standard and Content Assignment Standard for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Addressed Phy.2.1.2 Video and Support Material: Phy.2.2.1 RST.11-12.2 & 9 Teacher Support Materials http://storybehindthescience.org/support.html WHST.11-12.2, 4 & 7  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/  Pendulum Motion: The Value of Idealization in Science http://storybehindthescience.org/pdf/pendulum.pdf 2011-2012 NC Online Writing Instruction Content-specific SAMPLE Assignments

 The Role of Theory: Pendulum Motion, Time Measurement, and the Shape of the Earth http://storybehindthescience.org/pdf/earthshape.pdf Pendulum Motion Model Instructional Simulation http://physics.bu.edu/~duffy/Ejs/EP_chapter12/pendulum.html

Scenario:

Pendulum Motion: The Value of Idealization in Science

Galileo developed laws of pendulum motion under idealized conditions. Real conditions produce deviations to the mathematical relationships. Scientific laws state invariable relationships while scientific theories explain why those relationships exist.

Informational/Explanatory

After completing the simulation lab, reading information on the historical development of laws of pendulum motion, and other sources as needed, summarize the laws, note conditions required, and offer a theoretical explanation for the phenomena? Provide evidence from texts and/or experimental data to support your explanation. Include a bibliography of your sources.

Phy.2.1.2 Scenario: Phy.2.2.1 RST.11-12.2 & 9 The Role of Theory: Pendulum Motion, Time Measurement, and the Shape of WHST.11-12.2, 4 & 7 the Earth

Christian Huygens refined Galileo’s pendulum laws and was the first to apply them in creating a pendulum clock resulting in the use of time measurement to solve some unexpected problems.

Informational/Explanatory

After reading information on the historical development of the pendulum clock and other resources as needed, write a report that describes the link between development of scientific knowledge (laws and theories) and technological advances. Support your topic with evidence from your research. Include a bibliography of your sources.