*Honors students are required to complete two projects each 9-weeks grading period.
Common Mistakes
- Avoid the use of personal pronouns. (I, you, your, etc.)
- Double space!
- Include sources!
- Do not copy and paste... That's plagiarism!
Writing Guidelines
- Times New Roman or Arial font
- 12-pt font size
- Double-spaced
- Margins between 1” and 1.25”
- Header should include name, date, class (Honors Biology), and title
- If handwritten, use black or blue ink only and only write on the front of your paper
- At least 3-5 sources
- Include a separate page that lists all sources (this is not a bibliography or works cited page… simply identify from where the information came)
DO NOT PLAGIARIZE! Write your paper as if you were explaining to someone else what you have read about your topic. If you have to use an exact comment or statistic, use a footnote. For more information, check out the following web site:
http://www.plagiarism.org
http://www.plagiarism.org
Unit 1: Nature of Science
1. Newspaper Article - Science vs. Religion
Write an article for the school newspaper that discusses the relationship between science and religion. You may include interviews as part of your research and content. Focus on a specific topic to address the general relationship between science and religion.
Questions to consider:
1) What are the limits to science as a body of knowledge and science as a process?
2) What is acceptable to teach in a science classroom?
2. Book Review - Science vs. Religion
Write a book review of the same topic. See Mr. Capps for more info...
3. Blog - Does Science Matter
Write a blog that argues Why Science Matters! Here's an example: Understanding Science: How Science Really Works
Write an article for the school newspaper that discusses the relationship between science and religion. You may include interviews as part of your research and content. Focus on a specific topic to address the general relationship between science and religion.
Questions to consider:
1) What are the limits to science as a body of knowledge and science as a process?
2) What is acceptable to teach in a science classroom?
2. Book Review - Science vs. Religion
Write a book review of the same topic. See Mr. Capps for more info...
3. Blog - Does Science Matter
Write a blog that argues Why Science Matters! Here's an example: Understanding Science: How Science Really Works
Unit 2: Cells
1. Enzyme Model
Make a working model or a video demonstrating enzyme activity. Your product should demonstrate the action of an enzyme on a substrate. Use labels such as "enzyme", "substrate", "product", "active site", and "enzyme-substrate complex".
2. Cell Model
Build a model of a cell. Your model should include all of the organelles listed on the Cell Analogy Project handout. Additionally, also include the nucleolus and the endoplasmic reticulum (rough E.R. & smooth E.R.). If you build an animal cell instead of a plant cell, then you can leave off the cell wall and chloroplasts but you must include microvilli.
*The purpose of each modeling project is to manufacture a product that will serve as an educational tool to biology students for years to come!
3. Digital Microscope
Build your digital microscope. Use your smartphone and a few other materials to make your own digital microscope. Include in your final product a portfolio of images you were able to capture with your creation. Here are two ideas for how to do it:
1) Build Your Own Digital Microscope
2) Build Your Own Microscope
Make a working model or a video demonstrating enzyme activity. Your product should demonstrate the action of an enzyme on a substrate. Use labels such as "enzyme", "substrate", "product", "active site", and "enzyme-substrate complex".
2. Cell Model
Build a model of a cell. Your model should include all of the organelles listed on the Cell Analogy Project handout. Additionally, also include the nucleolus and the endoplasmic reticulum (rough E.R. & smooth E.R.). If you build an animal cell instead of a plant cell, then you can leave off the cell wall and chloroplasts but you must include microvilli.
*The purpose of each modeling project is to manufacture a product that will serve as an educational tool to biology students for years to come!
3. Digital Microscope
Build your digital microscope. Use your smartphone and a few other materials to make your own digital microscope. Include in your final product a portfolio of images you were able to capture with your creation. Here are two ideas for how to do it:
1) Build Your Own Digital Microscope
2) Build Your Own Microscope
Unit 3: Cellular Processes
1. Cancer Research Paper
Write a research paper about a type of cancer of your choice. You are responsible for finding acceptable sources, organizing the information, and writing an informative research paper. Questions to consider include:
1) Is the cancer usually inherited, environmental, or either?
2) Who is most at risk?
3) How is it treated?
4) What is the survival rate?
5) What is the future of treating this cancer?
*Length of paper = 400-600 words
**Make sure you provide at least 3 sources
2. Stop Motion Mitosis Project
Using available materials (i.e. buttons, pipe cleaners, straws, noodles, yarn, clay/Play-Doh, paper clips, felt, candy, pool noodles), construct a model of a cell for each stage of the cell cycle. Take a minimum of 24 pictures total of the different stages of the cycle. Make very small changes to transition from phase to phase (5-6 pictures between each phase change). Label the stages and important parts of the cell as you are taking your pictures. Upload into Stop-Motion software to create your Stop-Motion video.
Some websites that may help:
http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Stop-Motion-Animationhttp://www.stopmotionpro.com/
http://www.jellycam.co.uk/
These stages and labels will be required on your pictures and will need to stay up throughout the stage:
- Prophase
- Metaphase
- Anaphase
- Telophase
Start with four single-stranded chromosomes. Make sure you represent the cell membrane and nucleus. Before a cell begins mitosis, each chromatid replicates, or makes an exact copy of itself. (Note: In a real cell, the DNA is not visible as chromosomes, but for this lab, we will start with somewhat visible chromosomes.) Label the centromere, sister chromatids, nuclear membrane, cell membrane, and chromosomes. (Anything that appears new or needs to be stressed in you animation should be labeled.)
Answer these questions and submit them with your video product.
1. What is the final step of the cell cycle that follows Telophase?
2. What are the two identical “offspring” cells that come from the parent cell?
3. Why is mitosis important?
4. What does mitosis do that the cell would do wrong if it just split down the middle in cell division?
5. How many chromosomes are present in each daughter cell in this lab?
6. Why was it necessary to replicate the chromosomes during the S(synthesis) phase before mitosis began?
7. A common biological study specimen, the fruit fly, has four pairs of chromosomes in each cell. As it grows, it reproduces more cells via mitosis. How many chromosomes would you expect to find in each new cell?
Write a research paper about a type of cancer of your choice. You are responsible for finding acceptable sources, organizing the information, and writing an informative research paper. Questions to consider include:
1) Is the cancer usually inherited, environmental, or either?
2) Who is most at risk?
3) How is it treated?
4) What is the survival rate?
5) What is the future of treating this cancer?
*Length of paper = 400-600 words
**Make sure you provide at least 3 sources
2. Stop Motion Mitosis Project
Using available materials (i.e. buttons, pipe cleaners, straws, noodles, yarn, clay/Play-Doh, paper clips, felt, candy, pool noodles), construct a model of a cell for each stage of the cell cycle. Take a minimum of 24 pictures total of the different stages of the cycle. Make very small changes to transition from phase to phase (5-6 pictures between each phase change). Label the stages and important parts of the cell as you are taking your pictures. Upload into Stop-Motion software to create your Stop-Motion video.
Some websites that may help:
http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Stop-Motion-Animationhttp://www.stopmotionpro.com/
http://www.jellycam.co.uk/
These stages and labels will be required on your pictures and will need to stay up throughout the stage:
- Prophase
- Metaphase
- Anaphase
- Telophase
Start with four single-stranded chromosomes. Make sure you represent the cell membrane and nucleus. Before a cell begins mitosis, each chromatid replicates, or makes an exact copy of itself. (Note: In a real cell, the DNA is not visible as chromosomes, but for this lab, we will start with somewhat visible chromosomes.) Label the centromere, sister chromatids, nuclear membrane, cell membrane, and chromosomes. (Anything that appears new or needs to be stressed in you animation should be labeled.)
Answer these questions and submit them with your video product.
1. What is the final step of the cell cycle that follows Telophase?
2. What are the two identical “offspring” cells that come from the parent cell?
3. Why is mitosis important?
4. What does mitosis do that the cell would do wrong if it just split down the middle in cell division?
5. How many chromosomes are present in each daughter cell in this lab?
6. Why was it necessary to replicate the chromosomes during the S(synthesis) phase before mitosis began?
7. A common biological study specimen, the fruit fly, has four pairs of chromosomes in each cell. As it grows, it reproduces more cells via mitosis. How many chromosomes would you expect to find in each new cell?
Unit 4: Energy in a Cell
1. Photosynthesis Song
Make a video or write a song that helps other students memorize the reactants and products of phtosynthesis (you can choose cellular respiration instead). Or, complete the same assignment on the topic of why leaves change colors in the fall.
2. Altitude and Athletic Performance Research Paper
Write a research paper on the effects of altitude (oxygen levels) on human athletic performance. How is it related to topics discussed in Unit 4?
*Length of paper = 400-600 words
**Make sure you provide at least 3 sources
Make a video or write a song that helps other students memorize the reactants and products of phtosynthesis (you can choose cellular respiration instead). Or, complete the same assignment on the topic of why leaves change colors in the fall.
2. Altitude and Athletic Performance Research Paper
Write a research paper on the effects of altitude (oxygen levels) on human athletic performance. How is it related to topics discussed in Unit 4?
*Length of paper = 400-600 words
**Make sure you provide at least 3 sources
Unit 5: Mendel & Meiosis
1. Family Pedigree (Trait Tree)
Research a specific trait in your family history (i.e. widow's peak, dimples, attached earlobes, etc.). Make a family tree (pedigree) that illustrates the phenotypes and possible genotypes for everyone in your immediate family for at least three generations. Make sure to define the trait and the inheritance pattern as well as include photos when possible. Complete the project in one of the following formats: 1) poster, 2) booklet, or 3) slideshow.
Here's a list of human traits and inheritance patterns to help you brainstorm:
Human Simple Dominant/Recessive Traits
2. Dragon Genetics - Independent Assortment & Genetic Linkage
This activity is an extension of what we are learning in class. You'll need to print the handout and submit with all of the questions/calculations answered. Your final submission will be graded for accuracy.
Dragon Genetics
Research a specific trait in your family history (i.e. widow's peak, dimples, attached earlobes, etc.). Make a family tree (pedigree) that illustrates the phenotypes and possible genotypes for everyone in your immediate family for at least three generations. Make sure to define the trait and the inheritance pattern as well as include photos when possible. Complete the project in one of the following formats: 1) poster, 2) booklet, or 3) slideshow.
Here's a list of human traits and inheritance patterns to help you brainstorm:
Human Simple Dominant/Recessive Traits
2. Dragon Genetics - Independent Assortment & Genetic Linkage
This activity is an extension of what we are learning in class. You'll need to print the handout and submit with all of the questions/calculations answered. Your final submission will be graded for accuracy.
Dragon Genetics
Unit 6: DNA
1. DNA Model
Construct a DNA Model. Your model should highlight the various structures of the DNA molecule including the individual components of nucleotides. Also, use "shape" or "fit" to depict how a "purine" is hydrogen bonded to a "pyramidine". Additionally, remember that the two sides of the double helix are running in opposite directions. The purpose of this project is to build a model to be used as a teaching tool for other students. Thus, your model should be accurate, attractive, sturdy, and informative.
*Remember, the monomer of a nucleic acid is a "nucleotide." For every nitrogen base, there should be one sugar & one phosphate group.
2. Website Review - 23andme.com
Write a review of the company 23andme for the school newspaper. Your review should include both a 1-page "summary" and a 1-page "critique" of the website. Also, remember that your audience is your peers... so make your research relevant to them!
Questions to consider include:
1) What is the purpose of this company? Who started it? When and why?
2) What services do they offer? Benefits and/or concerns about these services?
3) Is this service a good idea? Would you do it? Recommend it to others?
*Make sure and read testimonials/reviews from people who have used the service.
3. Research Paper
Write a research paper on one of the following topics:
1) Stem cell research / applications
2) Genetically modified foods
3) DNA forensics
*For the above list, you should have your specific topic approved by Mr. Capps.
*Length of paper = 400-600 words
Construct a DNA Model. Your model should highlight the various structures of the DNA molecule including the individual components of nucleotides. Also, use "shape" or "fit" to depict how a "purine" is hydrogen bonded to a "pyramidine". Additionally, remember that the two sides of the double helix are running in opposite directions. The purpose of this project is to build a model to be used as a teaching tool for other students. Thus, your model should be accurate, attractive, sturdy, and informative.
*Remember, the monomer of a nucleic acid is a "nucleotide." For every nitrogen base, there should be one sugar & one phosphate group.
2. Website Review - 23andme.com
Write a review of the company 23andme for the school newspaper. Your review should include both a 1-page "summary" and a 1-page "critique" of the website. Also, remember that your audience is your peers... so make your research relevant to them!
Questions to consider include:
1) What is the purpose of this company? Who started it? When and why?
2) What services do they offer? Benefits and/or concerns about these services?
3) Is this service a good idea? Would you do it? Recommend it to others?
*Make sure and read testimonials/reviews from people who have used the service.
3. Research Paper
Write a research paper on one of the following topics:
1) Stem cell research / applications
2) Genetically modified foods
3) DNA forensics
*For the above list, you should have your specific topic approved by Mr. Capps.
*Length of paper = 400-600 words
Unit 7: Complex Inheritance
1. Design and present a short presentation (use PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi, etc.) about one of the following genetic disorders:
1) Alzheimer Disease
2) Cystic Fibrosis
3) Down Syndrome
4) Huntington's Disease
5) Hemophilia
6) Parkinson's Disease
7) Progeria
8) Tay-Sach's Disease
9) Phenylketonuria (PKU)
*You may work with a partner.
*8-12 slides
*Your audience is your classmates.
*Topics to consider include:
1) Genetic cause (type of inheritance including dominance? gene location? etc.)
2) Frequency (Who is most likely to have this disease? Risk factors?)
3) Symptoms
4) Treatments/Cures/Future Treatments
5) Additional info
*You will be graded on the content as well as the overall appearance and visual design of your presentation.
*Make sure you include at least 3 acceptable sources!
1) Alzheimer Disease
2) Cystic Fibrosis
3) Down Syndrome
4) Huntington's Disease
5) Hemophilia
6) Parkinson's Disease
7) Progeria
8) Tay-Sach's Disease
9) Phenylketonuria (PKU)
*You may work with a partner.
*8-12 slides
*Your audience is your classmates.
*Topics to consider include:
1) Genetic cause (type of inheritance including dominance? gene location? etc.)
2) Frequency (Who is most likely to have this disease? Risk factors?)
3) Symptoms
4) Treatments/Cures/Future Treatments
5) Additional info
*You will be graded on the content as well as the overall appearance and visual design of your presentation.
*Make sure you include at least 3 acceptable sources!
Unit 8: History of Life & Evolution
1. Science Museum Visit
Visit the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh (11 W. Jones St). Make notes, take photos, record videos, etc. while you are there. Write a blog/journal entry or record a vlog about your trip. The purpose of your product is to communicate with your peers about what a wonderful resource this local museum is for understanding Biology! Share anything you found fascinating, helpful, informative, etc. Convince your peers to visit!
2. Prehistoric Species Trading Cards
Make a trading card for at least 7 species of prehistoric animals. You can make your cards digital or in print. You are allowed to design them with computer software or draw them by hand (if you have artistic skills...). Make sure you include info such as:
1) Common name and species name
2) When and where did they live
3) Size and diet
4) Fossil finds for this species
5) Any other interesting info
*Check out these images of what your product could look like: Google Images of Prehistoric Species Trading Cards
*Check out these templates to use for your cards: Templates
3. Film/Article/Website Review
Write a film/article/website review for the school newspaper. You will include a one-page (125-200 words) summary and a one-page (125-200 words) critique. Your goal is to both educate your peers by summarizing your selected media and persuade them through your own informed opinion.
Use at least two additional sources to support your critique.
Remember, your critique can be either positive/supportive or negative/unfavorable.
1. Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008)
- documentary challenging mainstream science and academia for notincluding Intelligent Design as valid consideration for why life on Earth haschanged over time
- this film is available on YouTube: Click Here
2.Was Darwin Wrong?
- article published in National Geographic's November, 2004 magazine thatquestions whether or not the main ideas of Charles Darwin have withstood the test of time
- I have this article in the classroom!
3.Choose from the following list of websites:
1) PBS - Evolution
2) Answers in Genesis
3) Center for Science & Culture
4) National Center for Science Education
*Make sure you include at least 2 acceptable sources!
Visit the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh (11 W. Jones St). Make notes, take photos, record videos, etc. while you are there. Write a blog/journal entry or record a vlog about your trip. The purpose of your product is to communicate with your peers about what a wonderful resource this local museum is for understanding Biology! Share anything you found fascinating, helpful, informative, etc. Convince your peers to visit!
2. Prehistoric Species Trading Cards
Make a trading card for at least 7 species of prehistoric animals. You can make your cards digital or in print. You are allowed to design them with computer software or draw them by hand (if you have artistic skills...). Make sure you include info such as:
1) Common name and species name
2) When and where did they live
3) Size and diet
4) Fossil finds for this species
5) Any other interesting info
*Check out these images of what your product could look like: Google Images of Prehistoric Species Trading Cards
*Check out these templates to use for your cards: Templates
3. Film/Article/Website Review
Write a film/article/website review for the school newspaper. You will include a one-page (125-200 words) summary and a one-page (125-200 words) critique. Your goal is to both educate your peers by summarizing your selected media and persuade them through your own informed opinion.
Use at least two additional sources to support your critique.
Remember, your critique can be either positive/supportive or negative/unfavorable.
1. Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008)
- documentary challenging mainstream science and academia for notincluding Intelligent Design as valid consideration for why life on Earth haschanged over time
- this film is available on YouTube: Click Here
2.Was Darwin Wrong?
- article published in National Geographic's November, 2004 magazine thatquestions whether or not the main ideas of Charles Darwin have withstood the test of time
- I have this article in the classroom!
3.Choose from the following list of websites:
1) PBS - Evolution
2) Answers in Genesis
3) Center for Science & Culture
4) National Center for Science Education
*Make sure you include at least 2 acceptable sources!
Unit 9: Classification
1. Dichotomous Key
Design a dichotomous key for at least 10 species of plants or animals native to North Carolina. If possible, choose organisms native to Johnston County. Some organisms to consider include spiders, butterflies, birds, snakes, freshwater fish, etc.
The purpose of this assignment is to create an educational product that can be used for biology review.
Reminders:
Design a dichotomous key for at least 10 species of plants or animals native to North Carolina. If possible, choose organisms native to Johnston County. Some organisms to consider include spiders, butterflies, birds, snakes, freshwater fish, etc.
The purpose of this assignment is to create an educational product that can be used for biology review.
Reminders:
- at least 10 species
- use scientific names
- include an answer key (with both scientific name and common name)
- PowerPoint or booklet format
- If you use a trait such as color as an identifier, then that trait must be visible in your project (so, you must have a color copy of the project).
Unit 10: Microbes
1. Research Paper
Write a research paper about a microbial pathogen and the disease it causes. See Mr. Capps for a list of pathogens/diseases.
Zika Virus Information
Zika Virus on CBS: 60 Minutes
Zika Virus and Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
*Length of paper = 400-600 words
**Make sure you provide at least 3 sources
2. Children's Book
Design and construct a children's book that highlights one of the microbes discussed in class. Your finished product should be educational, yet age-appropriate.
3. Bread Mold Experiment
Conduct an experiment on bread mold. Identify a variable, make your hypothesis, test it, collect data and report on the results. In order to complete this project, you will need to grow bread mold. Remember, Safety First! Make sure your parents know what you are doing and make sure the mold is concealed (i.e. inside of a plastic bag). Do plenty of research to get some ideas.
Write a research paper about a microbial pathogen and the disease it causes. See Mr. Capps for a list of pathogens/diseases.
Zika Virus Information
Zika Virus on CBS: 60 Minutes
Zika Virus and Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
*Length of paper = 400-600 words
**Make sure you provide at least 3 sources
2. Children's Book
Design and construct a children's book that highlights one of the microbes discussed in class. Your finished product should be educational, yet age-appropriate.
3. Bread Mold Experiment
Conduct an experiment on bread mold. Identify a variable, make your hypothesis, test it, collect data and report on the results. In order to complete this project, you will need to grow bread mold. Remember, Safety First! Make sure your parents know what you are doing and make sure the mold is concealed (i.e. inside of a plastic bag). Do plenty of research to get some ideas.
Unit 11: Plants
1. Flower Model
Construct a flower model. Your model should highlight the basic structures of a general flower (the same parts you labeled in class). The purpose of this project is to build a model to be used as a teaching tool for other students. Thus, your model should be accurate, attractive, sturdy, and informative. Also, your flower should be based on an actual, complete flower (monocot or dicot).
2. Photo Journal
Develop a photo journal of plant structures. Take a photograph of each item listed below. These should be your actual photographs (not copied from google...). You can create a digital project (for example, organize your pictures into a PowerPoint) or print your photographs and arrange them into a physical journal. For each picture, you should: 1) label the topic and 2) identify the location of the picture (i.e. my backyard).
Choose any 10.
1) monocot leaf
2) dicot leaf
3) gymnosperm leaf
4) fern frond
5) bryophyte
6) gymnosperm male cone vs. female cone
7) complete flower
8) incomplete flower (identify "male" or "female")
9) angiosperm seed
10) taproot vs. fibrous root
11) phototropism
12) thigmotropism
13) evidence of a waxy cuticle
Construct a flower model. Your model should highlight the basic structures of a general flower (the same parts you labeled in class). The purpose of this project is to build a model to be used as a teaching tool for other students. Thus, your model should be accurate, attractive, sturdy, and informative. Also, your flower should be based on an actual, complete flower (monocot or dicot).
2. Photo Journal
Develop a photo journal of plant structures. Take a photograph of each item listed below. These should be your actual photographs (not copied from google...). You can create a digital project (for example, organize your pictures into a PowerPoint) or print your photographs and arrange them into a physical journal. For each picture, you should: 1) label the topic and 2) identify the location of the picture (i.e. my backyard).
Choose any 10.
1) monocot leaf
2) dicot leaf
3) gymnosperm leaf
4) fern frond
5) bryophyte
6) gymnosperm male cone vs. female cone
7) complete flower
8) incomplete flower (identify "male" or "female")
9) angiosperm seed
10) taproot vs. fibrous root
11) phototropism
12) thigmotropism
13) evidence of a waxy cuticle
Unit 12: Animals
1. Research Paper - Temple Grandin
Write a research paper highlighting the work of Temple Grandin in revolutionizing the cattle industry. What did it mean for her to "think like the cattle"? Her amazing story is told in the HBO film, Temple Grandin, which won 7 Emmy Awards. Remember, your focus is how her work relates to Animal Behavior.
2. Film Critique
- Watch the film Blackfish (release 2013, CNN Films).
- Make a list of 10 facts you learn from this film.
- Write a one-page summary.
- Write a one-page critique (positive or negative).
- Use at least 3 sources to support either your like or dislike of the film.
- Also, check out SeaWorld's Response.
3. Research Paper - Smartest Animals
Write a research paper recognizing one of the world's "10 Smartest Animals". Use the link below to a short video for some ideas. You can use a different list (scientists debate which animals belong on a top 10 list), but make sure you include which list you are using. Your paper should "argue for" and explain why this particular animal should be included on the list of intelligent animals. Make sure to include any behavior/intelligence experiments that have been documented for this animal.
10 Smartest Animals
4. Animal Behavior
4. Use video, pictures, or journal observations to document a particular animal behavior discussed in class. Essentially, you are creating your own animal behavior experiment. Remember, animals do not always cooperate (okay, they rarely cooperate)... so, you must have a specific plan for completing this lab on time.
All of the above require you to identify at least 3 appropriate sources!
Write a research paper highlighting the work of Temple Grandin in revolutionizing the cattle industry. What did it mean for her to "think like the cattle"? Her amazing story is told in the HBO film, Temple Grandin, which won 7 Emmy Awards. Remember, your focus is how her work relates to Animal Behavior.
2. Film Critique
- Watch the film Blackfish (release 2013, CNN Films).
- Make a list of 10 facts you learn from this film.
- Write a one-page summary.
- Write a one-page critique (positive or negative).
- Use at least 3 sources to support either your like or dislike of the film.
- Also, check out SeaWorld's Response.
3. Research Paper - Smartest Animals
Write a research paper recognizing one of the world's "10 Smartest Animals". Use the link below to a short video for some ideas. You can use a different list (scientists debate which animals belong on a top 10 list), but make sure you include which list you are using. Your paper should "argue for" and explain why this particular animal should be included on the list of intelligent animals. Make sure to include any behavior/intelligence experiments that have been documented for this animal.
10 Smartest Animals
4. Animal Behavior
4. Use video, pictures, or journal observations to document a particular animal behavior discussed in class. Essentially, you are creating your own animal behavior experiment. Remember, animals do not always cooperate (okay, they rarely cooperate)... so, you must have a specific plan for completing this lab on time.
All of the above require you to identify at least 3 appropriate sources!
Unit 13: Ecology
1. Film Critique
- Watch the film An Inconvenient Truth (release 2006, Paramount Pictures).
- Make a list of 10 facts you learn from this film.
- Write a one-page summary.
- Write a one-page critique (positive or negative).
- Use at least 3 sources to support either your like or dislike of the film.
2. DDT Awareness Campaign
- There is much evidence to support that the use of DDT as an insecticide can greatly
reduce the spread of malaria, a disease killing an average of more than 750,000 people
per year globally. Yet, this insecticide was banned in the United States in 1972 and
has been used sparingly around the world ever since.
- Research this topic and develop a strong opinion either supporting or refuting the
worth of using DDT to fight malaria. Use specific examples to build your argument.
- Present your opinion in either a visual format (such as a PowerPoint, poster, trifold,
etc.) or a document format (such as a letter to a politician).
- The purpose of your product is to make others aware of your cause!
3. Carbon Footprint Self Reflection
- Calculate your "Carbon Footprint" from at least 3 different websites.
- Write a one-page Self-Reflection: How Green Am I?
- Questions to consider:
1) How are carbon footprints calculated?
2) What lifestyle patterns most impact my carbon footprint score?
3) What are some simple, short-term changes I could make to improve my score?
4) What are some long-term commitments I could make to improve my score?
5) Should people be aware of or concerned about their carbon footprints?
4. Research Paper - Human Population Growth... Is a One-Child Policy the answer?
- Demographers predict that India's population will surpass that of China by the year
2030. India's rapid growth and urbanization have resulted in serious social, economic,
and environmental problems.
- Write a research paper (350-500 words) that examines solutions for India's population
growth issues. Specifically, focus on whether or not India should adopt a one-child
policy like China. If you argue against such a policy, make sure to provide alternative
solutions that you do recommend.
- Here is a link to begin your thinking: National Geographic--7 Billion Feature Article
- Watch the film An Inconvenient Truth (release 2006, Paramount Pictures).
- Make a list of 10 facts you learn from this film.
- Write a one-page summary.
- Write a one-page critique (positive or negative).
- Use at least 3 sources to support either your like or dislike of the film.
2. DDT Awareness Campaign
- There is much evidence to support that the use of DDT as an insecticide can greatly
reduce the spread of malaria, a disease killing an average of more than 750,000 people
per year globally. Yet, this insecticide was banned in the United States in 1972 and
has been used sparingly around the world ever since.
- Research this topic and develop a strong opinion either supporting or refuting the
worth of using DDT to fight malaria. Use specific examples to build your argument.
- Present your opinion in either a visual format (such as a PowerPoint, poster, trifold,
etc.) or a document format (such as a letter to a politician).
- The purpose of your product is to make others aware of your cause!
3. Carbon Footprint Self Reflection
- Calculate your "Carbon Footprint" from at least 3 different websites.
- Write a one-page Self-Reflection: How Green Am I?
- Questions to consider:
1) How are carbon footprints calculated?
2) What lifestyle patterns most impact my carbon footprint score?
3) What are some simple, short-term changes I could make to improve my score?
4) What are some long-term commitments I could make to improve my score?
5) Should people be aware of or concerned about their carbon footprints?
4. Research Paper - Human Population Growth... Is a One-Child Policy the answer?
- Demographers predict that India's population will surpass that of China by the year
2030. India's rapid growth and urbanization have resulted in serious social, economic,
and environmental problems.
- Write a research paper (350-500 words) that examines solutions for India's population
growth issues. Specifically, focus on whether or not India should adopt a one-child
policy like China. If you argue against such a policy, make sure to provide alternative
solutions that you do recommend.
- Here is a link to begin your thinking: National Geographic--7 Billion Feature Article