April C

April C. L. Swim

Writing Assignment

Class: Biology I

Unit: Genetics

Core Content Connections:

SC-H-3.3.1 =20 In all organisms and viruses, the instructions = for=20 specifying the characteristics are carried in nucleic acids. The chemicals and structural = properties=20 of nucleic acids determine how the genetic information that underlies = heredity=20 is both encoded in genes and replicated.

SC-H-3.3.2 = Multicellular organisms, = including humans,=20 form from cells that contain two copies of each chromosome. This explains many features of = heredity. Transmission of = genetic=20 information through sexual reproduction to offspring occurs when male = and female=20 gametes that contain only one representative from each chromosome pair=20 unite.

SC-H-3.3.3 Changes in DNA (mutations) occur=20 spontaneously at low rates. = Some of=20 these changes make no difference to the organism, whereas other can = change cells=20 and organisms. Only = mutations in=20 germ cell have the potential to create the variation that changes an = organism's=20 future offspring.

NOTE: "Slice the Pie" is a class activity where = student brain=20 storm appropriate writing topics.

3DGenetics Name:_____________________

Class=20 Period:________________

In this unit we have learned = about=20 genetics. Presently, = there are many=20 new and controversial medical treatments and research in the field of=20 genetics. Your task will = be to=20 write about a medical treatment or area of science research in the field = of=20 genetics that is new and revolutionary or controversial.

Brain Storming Activity: Slice the Pie =

=20 Please write down ideas that were generated by the classroom = in the=20 "Slice the Pie" brain storming activity. =20 This will serve as an idea bank when choosing your topic.

Format and Audience:

The writing task must be written to a real world = audience.=20 Please choose a format appropriate for your topic. Remember, your writing must = have a=20 realistic audience that would be interested in what you have to say.

Format: &nbs= p; =20 Audience:

Editorial &nbs= p; =20 -Write an article for the local newspaper about defending or = objecting to=20 a specific type of genetic research or medical treatment.

&nbs= p; = ; =20

Brochure &nbs= p; =20 -Write an informational brochure for expecting parents about = genetic=20 screening or genetic engineering for appearance (must be about a real = technology=20 in use).

Speech &nbs= p; = ;=20 -Write a speech for a group of expectant parents about screening = for=20 genetic disorders. Think = of an=20 appropriate forum for such as speech.

Feature/Informational = Article

-Write an informational = article=20 about a new technology or medical treatment. Think about what magazines = publish this=20 type of topic. Remember = to keep=20 your audience in mind.

WRITING ASSIGNMENT:

=20 After you have picked a topic of interest, a format, and an = audience=20 it is now time to begin writing. = You must first do rigorous research on your topic. You will be graded on using an = appropriate format for your purpose, writing in a style appropriate for = the=20 chosen audience, correct scientific information pertaining to genetics, = and use=20 of appropriate language and grammar. Length and style should be = determined by=20 the format and audience, so there is no minimum = length.