Name: ______Period: ______Date: ______
Prewriting Activity for Science Paper
201415 Short (2-3 minute) Video Selection Group Work for Argumentation (12, 22, 23, 26, 27)
[This document AND individual links are also posted on Heller’s E2 Science Paper Website.]
Directions: Students will be assigned to groups. IF a group is not working or is disruptive, the members will be separated and assigned to do this individually, without discussion. Please, collaborate in a respectful manner.
Each student in a group needs to record his or her own responses and turn them in at the end of the class period UNLESS the group does not finish, then COMPLETE this assignment as homework for tomorrow. Stay on task!
Each group will need only ONE computer or iPad to view and listen to the video (or in #26 & #27, listen to the podcast).
1. Watch the videos or listen to the podcasts listed in this handout.
2. Discuss and write down the answers to the questions following each of the video links.
3. Discuss and write down one “arguable /debatable” claim pertaining to something in the video if required.
Write your arguable claim in the “should/should not” format and include a “because” with a reason.
(EX: Trees should not be harvested from the rain forest because the forest contains species not found elsewhere.)
Remember: An arguable claim…
- must be debatable (it must have more than one side)
- it cannot simply be a fact
- although it is opinion, it must be able to be supported with facts
- it must be a “researchable” claim
- it must be written as one complete sentence/statement (It is NOT a question.)
- it may NOT be written in first or second person (no “I” or “you”). Use third person point of view.
Examples that are NOT arguable claims:
This is disgusting. - an opinion, but not researchable or supportable with facts.
I like trees. - an opinion, but not researchable or supportable with facts.
Cows eat grass. - simply a fact; not debatable
Are electric cars quiet? - asks a question; does not state a claim
12. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24217139
Breast cancer: Why I chose a double mastectomy 24 September 2013 Last updated at 07:38 BST BBC NEWS video
1. What reasons (more than one) contributed to the woman’s surgical decision?
2. What would you have done in her position? Why?
3. What new terms / vocabulary were you exposed to in this video? Record at least two terms AND define them.
4. Write an arguable claim that you could use in the science paper we are writing if you were required to use this video as a source for an argument or counter argument (should/should not … because).
22. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25584031
Could pigs produce human organs? 2 January 2014 Last updated at 23:50 GMT BBC News Video
1. How long does the scientist predict it might take to achieve the goal of producing human organs in pigs?
2. What new terms / vocabulary were you exposed to in this video? Record at least two terms AND define them.
3. Write an arguable claim that you could use in the science paper we are writing if you were required to use this video as a source for an argument or counter argument (should/should not … because).
23. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22150038
Scientists make 'laboratory-grown' kidney 15 April 2013 Last updated at 15:50 ET BBC News Video
1. What is referred to as “the holy grail” of medicine -- the purpose or goal of this research? (What are these scientists trying to accomplish?)
2. What new terms / vocabulary were you exposed to in this video? Record at least two terms AND define them.
3. Write an arguable claim that you could use in the science paper we are writing if you were required to use this video as a source for an argument or counter argument (should/should not … because).
*These podcasts also provides a transcript so that you may follow along and refer to it as you listen or afterwards.
26. http://www.npr.org/2014/01/10/261120968/when-big-carnivores-go-down-even-vegetarians-take-the-hit?utm_content=buffer0701b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
NPR (National Public Radio) “When Big Carnivores Go Down, Even Vegetarians Take The Hit”
Podcast by Christopher Joyce January 10, 2014 3:01 AM
1. What it the main idea of this article?
2. What terms or vocabulary does the author define for you IN the article itself? Write down at least two of the terms and record the definitions provided in the article.
3. The writer refers to a “cascade” down the food chain that affects even streams. Explain/summarize the specific example (anecdote) provided in the article that demonstrates how carnivores affect plant growth.
4. Write an arguable claim that you could use in the science paper we are writing if you were required to use this podcast as a source for an argument or counter argument (should/should not … because).
5. Using this same podcast, write a counter argument (opposition) to the claim you created in #4. This counter claim also needs to be in the “should/should not” form with at least one reason included (…because).
27. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/01/08/260782518/this-gmo-apple-wont-brown-will-that-sour-the-fruits-image
NPR (National Public Radio) “This GMO Apple Won't Brown. Will That Sour The Fruit's Image?”
By Dan Charles January 08, 2014 4:15 PM
1. Summarize the main idea of the podcast.
2. What does the article state as some possible benefits of this research?
3. What are some stated risks of this research?
3