Life Science: Evolution

Introduction

https://youtu.be/2QUJUlylV-c

 

Task

Collaboration amongst scientists has been a feature of many important scientific findings.

You are required to write a essay question of not more than 1 ½ to 2 pages to answer the question. based on the following topic: Is there any benefit in scientists working together to find out more about the evolution of modern humans (Homo sapiens)?

https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+fossils&rlz=1C1ZKTG_enZA941ZA941&sxsrf=ALeKk008HDnjla9hfnMjQT3usiffYfmq9Q:1629918916613&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjA4aWQ8czyAhUSXMAKHclAAPsQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1366&bih=625#imgrc=n_XmhT8eW9gctM

Read the source material carefully and present a debated argument to illustrate your point of view. To answer this question, you are expected to:

1. Select relevant information from the sources and links. Do not to use all the detail provided.

2.Integrate your own relevant biological knowledge. However, do not write an essay based solely on your own knowledge.

3.Take a definite stand on the question and arrange the information to best develop your argument.

4.Write in a way that is scientifically appropriate and communicates your point of view clearly.

Process

Use the following sources to assist you in answering the question.

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https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2021/august/congressional-briefing-on-science-diplomacy/

http://www.nasonline.org/programs/from-research-to-reward/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu4jsdSCcHE

 

Discussion:

This open-ended question is lengthy and complex, with several thorough but succinct directions. To answer this question, the student must read and comprehend two sources as well as two online pages (distributed over four and a half pages) of information regarding human evolution and the nature of science. The sources come in a variety of genres and contain various amounts of important information, adding to the complexity of reading and interpreting them. You must select appropriate information from a variety of sources and combine it with their own biology understanding. Furthermore, you must take a firm stance on the issue in order to construct an empirical, debatable case - a daunting task for many Grade 12 students. 

This question is judged to be very difficult in relation to all four sources of difficulty.

Use the following table to assist you in answering this question:

COLLABORATION IS IMPORTANT COLLABORATION NOT REQUIRED
  • Much unknown about human family tree.
  • Should pool information for greater understanding.
  • Science has important rules/code of conduct that all must adhere to.
  • Will regulate findings: 1. Peer review 2. Regulation by authorities 3. Objectivity 4. Replication 5. Testability
  • This will make 'family tree' more certain as all data is scrutinised by all scientists working on hominids.
  • Prof. Berger sharing A. sediba findings; good example to scientific world
  • Yamanaka and Gurdon won Nobel prize for jointly discovering mature stem cells can be programmed – led to important research for therapeutic uses in humans – only owing to collaboration.
  • Fossils so rare, important to share any findings.
  • Without collaboration hominid findings are contradictory.
  • Findings in Europe – scientists not obliged to inform each other
  • Scientists might not get recognition.
  • Much work still to be done, plenty of opportunities for all.
  • Scientists divided on new findings – could hamper future progress on Hominids if they do not pursue own research.
  • What is intellectual property – great findings belong to scientists who discover them.
  • Allows prestige, money for country where scientist residing – could increase tourism – revenue.
  • Fossils are from the past – future research should focus on innovative scientific research, e.g. stem cells.
  • Human origins are not as important as, e.g. cure for cancer
  • Political intervention would prevent collaboration – must pursue scientific opportunities for country.
  • Creates jobs for economy.

Evaluation

Rubric:

  1 mark 2 marks 3 marks 4 marks
Content: Thorough-ness
  • Up to 1/3 of potential detail in sources cited (e.g. 1 to 4 facts)
  • About half of potential detail in sources cited (e.g. 4 to 8 facts from sources)
  • All main topics in sources cover.
  •  About ¾ of potential detail in sources cited.
  • One instance of significant information beyond the sources.
  • All main topics covered.
  • Source detail very close to full potential.
  • At least (x) significant instances of information beyond the sources
Content: Relevance
  • Mostly digression and/or repetition
  • Around half is digression and/or repetition
  • Repetition mostly avoided
  • Some minor digression
  • Argument relevant
  • Isolated incidences of minor repetition
  • No digression
  • Argument relevant
Supporting Argument, i.e. for
  • Writing consists of facts with little linkage or reasoning.
  • Reasoning incorrect
  • Maximum if no clear decision to support.
  • Reasoning correct, but hard to follow.
  • Ordinary; some linkage is evident
  • Supports the position.
  •  Reasoning is clear.
  • Minor errors in flow.
  • Solid but not compelling; linkage sometimes missed.
  • Strongly supports a clear position
  • Reasoning is very clear and succinct
  • Flow is logical, showing evidence of clear planning
  • Compelling with regular use of linking language
Fairness i.e. Argument against
  • One counter opinion given
  • Two counter opinions given
  • Three or more counter opinions given
  
Presentation
  • Writing is almost unintelligible.
  • Tone, language and terminology unscientific and exceptionally weak.
  • Introduction and/or conclusion not present.
  • Tone, language and terminology is weak
  • Attempts at correct paragraphing
  • Introduction and conclusion present, no matter how weak
  • Tone is consistent and suited to scientific argument
  • Good and appropriate language and terminology
  • Mostly appropriate paragraphing.
  • Introduction and conclusion have merit.
  • Tone mature and suited to scientific argument.
  • Excellent and appropriate use of language and terminology.
  • Correct paragraphing with good transitions.
  • Interesting introduction, satisfying conclusion.

 

Conclusion

When the NSC examinations are set, moderated, and reviewed, this activity is designed to prepare you for the end of year essay type question and also to be utilized as a training tool and a reference to guarantee that all learners are using a common set of principles, concepts, tools, and framework when assessing cognitive challenge. I believe that the explanations provided and the example of the examination question presented to you demonstrate various types and levels of cognitive demand as well as varying levels of difficulty will assist everyone in achieving this aim. But most of all, have fun with this task and try your best.

GOODLUCK

Credits

Content completeness (4), content relevance (4), supporting argument (4), fairness of argument (3), stance (1), and style and tone of writing are the grades for the desired reaction (4). For most Grade 12 students, writing a quick, concise, and balanced response is quite tough.

Teacher Page

Alisha Pienaar

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