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

High School Sample Assignments: Biology 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 for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Addressed

Bio.4.1.1 RST.9-10.2 & 9 WHST.9-10.2, 4 & 9

Content Assignment Video and Support Material: 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 RST.9-10.2 & 9 WHST.9-10.2, 4 & 9

Video and Support Material: 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.