Year 9 Science

Science and Technology

Research and Critical Analysis Task

Due Date: Week 7, Term 1 2008.

Length: 2-3 pages.

Value: 25% of yearly mark.

Outcomes assessed
5.1e: Students learn to describe historical cases where developments in science have led to the development of new technologies.
5.3:   Students learn to evaluate the impact of the applications of science on society and the environment.
5.4:   Students learn to discuss evidence supporting different viewpoints.
5.16: Students learn to access information from a wide variety of secondary sources.
5.17: Students learn to explain trends, patterns and relationships in data and/or information from a variety of sources.
5.18: Students learn to select and use appropriate forms of communication to present information to an audience.
5.19: Students learn to use critical thinking skills in evaluating information and drawing conclusions.

Purpose of the Task

Developments in science often lead to powerful new technologies that extend the boundaries of what is possible. The purpose of this assignment is to become familiar with one of these technologies, to investigate its impact on society and to predict future outcomes of this technology.

Task

You are to select one topic from the list of topics below and answer the questions provided below.

Assignment Planner

Define the Task

Choose one topic from the list below and provide detailed responses to these 6 aspects, which involve the use of different thinking skills:

Thinking skill	Task
Remembering	Describe your concept/topic. What is it about?
Understanding	Explain how the technology works.
Applying	Draw a time line to show the historical developments in this area. Include previous technologies that paved the way for the present-day technology.
Analysing	Relate the success of this technology to scientific discoveries.
Evaluating	Evaluate the impact of this technology on society.
Creating	Predict some future directions for this technological development.

Topics

1) Cloning	21) Satellites
2) Stem cell research	22) Hubble Telescope
3) GPS	23) Electron Microscope
4) Superconductors	24) Lasers
5) Fibre optics	25) Plant Tissue Culture
6) Genetically Modified Food	26) Radio Telescopes
7) DNA testing	27) Nuclear Reactors
8) Space stations	28) Bioreactors
9) SETI	29) Robotics
10) Organ transplants	30) Infrared technology
11) Artificial body parts	31) Radiometric dating
12) Hybrid cars	32) Fuel cells
13) Solar cells	33) Recycling plastics/biopolymers
14) Medical imaging (MRI or CAT scans)	34) Silicon chips
15) Ultrasound	35) Synthetic polymers
16) Keyhole surgery	36) Vaccinations
17) Bionic ear	37) Smart cards
18) Nanotechnology	38) Liquid paper
19) Human Genome Project (HGP)	39) Space Technology (e.g. Velcro, Teflon)
20) CD/DVD technology	40) Space probes e.g. Cassini

Locate Information

Information can be found in the Library in the Reference section – especially the multi-volume Science and Technology encyclopedias. Use the Library catalogue and browse the 500 and 600 shelves of the Non-Fiction section. The Issues in Society section and your science textbook should also be useful. You can search the Internet using some of the search engines linked on the Library web site.

You need at least 3 sources of information, which should include at least one website and one reference book.

Select and Analyse

Select information in the form of text and relevant pictures, diagrams, graphs or flowcharts etc. Make notes from the resources you consult.

Organise and Synthesise

Create subheadings for each of the 6 aspects you must address. Combine and organise your notes from the resources you consulted under these subheadings.

Create and Present

Present your information in report format. You must include a bibliography.

Evaluate and Reflect

Marking Criteria

Advanced 19-20 marks	Clear, effective communication. Correct use of a wide range of terminology. Student demonstrates proficiency in all thinking skills. Detailed information has been accessed from at least 3 different sources and sources are correctly cited in bibliography
Highly competent 16-18 marks	Effective communication. Correct use of terminology. Student demonstrates ability in all thinking skills. Information has been accessed from at least 3 different sources and sources are correctly cited in bibliography.
Competent 13-17 marks	Sound communication. Correct use of terminology. Student demonstrates ability in most thinking skills. Information has been accessed from at least 2 different sources and sources are mostly correctly cited in bibliography.
Developing 10- 12 marks	Limited communication. Basic use of terminology. Student is able to answer the first two tasks (remember, understand), but has difficulty with others. Information has been accessed from at least 2 different sources and some sources are correctly cited in bibliography
Experiencing difficulty < 10 marks	Poor communication. Limited or no use of terminology. Student has difficulty responding to most of the required aspects. Mainly used one source of information. Sources of information are not cited or are poorly cited.