Science in the News

What is STEM?

S = science 

T = tech

E = engineering

M = math

To make this unit's content  more meaningful, let's research online to find accredited news stories relating to STEM!!

Even though we are currently studying number systems, ANY AND ALL research or study, related to the STEM field!

To best understand the research we are investigating in this assignment, we will break down selected news story like a fictional narrative, with main characters, plots, etc. !

Let's dive in!

In this WebQuest you will learn about

1. Differentiating between variable types in experiments

2. Connecting variables to one another

3. How data can be collected, represented, and analyzed past a classroom lab setting

4. Connecting publicized research to basic stem principles learned in class

Associated Standards

State - Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards for Science (2018), (CHE) SEP,1-5.

National - AFK12SE/NGSS Strand.PS1.A. Structures and Matter. (National Science Teachers of America, Secondary Teacher Pre-Service Standards page 4).

Part 1: Searching for a Source

1. Look for recent news in STEM website or publication from the past 6 months. If the URL ends in .edu, .org., etc. They are great starts! Use this table for a few cool sites I love! You can also use our textbook, or library resources for non-online sources!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBX5er6E37_yWB3gCM32p3g

Part 2: Investigating a Source 

Use the tables below for Questions #1-2.

Highlight which quality each variable holds for trait #1, then list out other identifying quality for trait #2.

1. List the name of the writer, publication, and the date of publication from an online, accredited news source, without error (Knowledge - DOK-1).

2. Identify the main characters of the paper, or variables tested, based on at least 2 characteristics, with 1 being control or test variable (Knowledge - DOK-1).  

Part 3: Connecting a Source to Classwork

1. Compare and contrast the scientists’ method of research to our class’s experiments, finding at least 1 similarity and 1 difference (Analysis - DOK-3).

2. Relate the scientific news to our class’s lessons or ideas, stating at least 2 scientific principles both implement, excluding the scientific method (Application - DOK-2). Hint: Use our google classroom to review prior and current class topics!

3. Evaluate the findings of this article, with at least 3 conclusions made from their own perspective (Evaluation - DOK-4). Hint: How will the scientists move forward in their work? What are their next steps from their tests? 

References

1. Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards for Science (2018), (CHE) SEP,1-5.

2. AFK12SE/NGSS Strand.PS1.A. Structures and Matter. (National Science Teachers of America, Secondary Teacher Pre-Service Standards page 4).