Writing Portfolio Assignment

Name: Danny Jackson Goodwin

Class: S= econdary Integrated Physical Science

Connected Core Content (from Draft 4.0)

SC-HS-2.3.9 Students will

· explain real-life phenomena caused by the convection of the Earth's mantle;

· predict the consequences of this motion on humans and other living things on the planet.

The outward tr= ansfer of Earth's internal heat drives convection circulation in the mantle. This causes the crustal plates to move on the face of the Earth.&n= bsp; DOK 3

SC-HS-2.3.10 Students will

· predict consequences of both rapid (volcanoe= s, earthquakes) and slow (mountain building, plate movement) earth processes f= rom evidence/data and justify reasoning.

The Earth's su= rface is dynamic; earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can be observed ion a human time scale, but many processes, such as mountain building and plate movements, t= ake place over hundreds of millions of years.&= nbsp; DOK 3

NOTE: See below for assignment description.

THE KENTUCKY RIVER BRIDGE

Introduction: <= /span>

&nbs= p; On our field trip to the Kentucky River we identified a rock formation that suggests a fault line that runs directly under the construction of the I-75 bridge that connects Madison and Fayette Counties. Being the esteemed geologist that = you are, and knowing what you know about slow and rapid Earth processes, would = you feel safe driving across this bridge everyday on your way to school? Is the= re any real reason for concern when traveling across this fault line?

Assignment:

&nbs= p; Write a portfolio piece that addresses the aforementioned question. You are free to choose your medium, albeit a persuasive letter to the KY Department of Transportation, an Engineer's office, a letter to the editor, or simply an argumentative piece= to the school's transportation committee.&nbs= p; You are free to argue for either side and will not be graded on your selection. You will be graded on your argument. It is necessary that you clearly s= tate your opinion and supply at least three forms of evidence to back up your argument. Two of these must b= e from outside sources (ie. interviews, journal articl= es, field books, etc) the third can be your textbook if you wish. (You are welcome to use me as a so= urce, but make sure you have educated questions before you set up the interview.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Poor questions will receive poor answers!) You are required to cite all sources and include a typed bibliogr= aphy with the final paper.

Suggestion:

&nbs= p; I suggest that you compile your research before you attempt to begin writing. You are strongly encouraged to construct a detailed outline of your argument before beginning the paper (this will count as extra credit if turned in with the assignment). I also suggest t= hat you be original in your research. Include any pictures, graphs, and charts that you feel are appropria= te.

DUE DATE: You will have the rest of the period to research your topic. The final product is due one week = from today. We'll have a per= iod at the end of the week to work in the computer lab. See the scoring rubric on the foll= owing page.

KY RIVER ASSIGNMENT RUBRIC

&n= bsp;

COMPONENT

BEGINNING ACHIEVEMENT

RUDIMENTARY

ACHIEVEMENT

COMMENDABLE

ACHIEVEMENT

EXEMPLARY

ACHIEVEMENT

PURSUASIVE

PIECE

FORMAT

1. No identifiable argument stated.=

2. Lacks any supporting evidence.

3. Many errors in spelling, gr= ammar and punctuation are present.

0 1 2 3 4<= /p>

1. Argument is stated.

2. Evidence from less than 3 differ= ent sources.

3. Few errors in spelling, grammar = and punctuation are present.

5 &nbs= p; 6<= o:p>

1. Argument is clearly stated at the beginning of writing.

2. Supporting evidence is used from= three different sources.

3. Commendable knowledge is display= ed in explaining the causes and effects of different fault lines.

4. Limited errors in spelling, gram= mar and punctuation are present.

7 = ; &n= bsp; 8

1. Argument is clearly stated in appropriate voice for the task.

2. Supporting evidence used from three different sources.<= /p>

3. Argument is exemplary and indicates

a. distinguished knowledge of Earth's process= es.

b. makes a convincing argument with current evidence to back it up.

4. One or less error in spelling, grammar and punctuation are present.<= /o:p>

9 = ; &n= bsp; 10

References

4. Includes no bibliography.

0 1 2 3 = ; 4

4. Includes a partial/ incomplete bibliography.

5 6 7 8

Completed bibliography.

9 = ; 10