SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY – GRADE 8
SCIENCE BLOG ASSIGNMENT v1.02
The purpose of this assignment is two-fold: to have students research current scientific topics occurring in the media and, to create an environment wherein students can engage in a healthy discussion related to science.
Please Note – Participation in this assignment occurs on two levels.
Level One: Each week, ONE designated student will be responsible for choosing a scientific issue currently covered in the media (a list will be provided indicating each students designated date). After reading the article, the student will create a summary of the information presented and create TWO thought-provoking questions for the rest of the class.
On the blog, you will find links to numerous media sources for scientific information. You can use these sources, or identify your own, for your respective article.
Due Date: Your summary and questions are due on the Sunday, at 8:00pm of your specified week (please consult the schedule for details).
Level Two: Once the designated student has read the article, summarized the information, and posted the two questions, each remaining student in the class will be responsible for commenting upon the questions.
You MUST comment at minimum ONCE each week. However, bonus marks may be given if you discuss and respond more frequently.
Level ONE Evaluation:
| 1. Appropriate article chosen | 5
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| 2. In-depth summary provided | 5
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| 3. TWO thought-provoking questions | 5
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| 4. Summary & questions posted by deadline | 5
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| TOTAL | 20 |
Level TWO Evaluation:
| 1. Responds to the questions asked | 5 |
| 2. Provides and interesting reflection | 5 |
| 3. Spelling and Grammar | 3 |
| TOTAL | 13 |
Article Schedule:
| WEEK | STUDENT | DUE DATE |
| 1 | BUCK-THOMPSON, Liam | February 27th post, March 2nd |
| 2 | BISSONNETTE, Alissa May | March 5th post, March 9th reply |
| 3 | ANCONA ARIAS, Luis Javier | April 2nd post, April 6th reply |
Our Blog Website:
http://grade8sciencejournal.blogspot.com/
Sample Places to find Science in the news:
(links to these sites are found on the Blog itself..)
Scientific American - http://www.scientificamerican.com/section.cfm?id=news
Science News for Kids - http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/
CBC Science - http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/science/
Popular Science - http://www.popsci.com/
Science News Magazine - http://www.sciencenews.org/
NY Times Science - http://www.nytimes.com/pages/science/index.html
Blogger – Student Evaluation
Level ONE Evaluation:
| 1. Appropriate article chosen | 5
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| 2. In-depth summary provided | 5
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| 3. TWO thought-provoking questions | 5
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| 4. Summary & questions posted by deadline | 5
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| TOTAL | 20 |
Comments:
Level TWO Evaluation:
| Week: |
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1. Responds to the questions asked | 5 |
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| 2. Provides and interesting reflection | 5 |
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| 3. Spelling and Grammar | 3 |
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| TOTAL | 13 |
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Bonus Tracks:
| Week | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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