Intro

1
Intro

• Finish Shark Lab First.
• Define dichotomous key.
• Define binomial nomenclature.
• List the classification categories from largest
  to smallest.
• List the 3 domains and 6 kingdoms.
• Study Guide due tomorrow AKS due by Friday.
• Study for test tomorrow!
• Bring textbook for after test assignment.

2
How Do I Do Well on the High School Science
Gateway?

• Spring 2007

3
Getting StartedMaking the Right Choice

• One of the most important keys to your success is
  choosing the Writing Task Choice that will be the
  best one to let the graders know what you know.
  As you start the test, make sure you read both
  choices and the documents, then do the following
  things.

4
Making the right choice..

• Think of how you would respond to each task.
  (Choice 1 or Choice 2)
• On the pages in the back of the task folder, jot
  down what you know about each task from the
  scenario, documents, and from your classes.
  (Brainstorming)
• For which choice do you have the most information
  and facts?
• Then think, For which choice do I already have
  the better answer forming in my head?
• Choose that choice.

5
As you begin, read the choice again.

• Create a brainstorm list of how you will respond
  to each part of the task. For example, if you
  were writing about plants- your list would look
  something like this
• Photosynthesis, cell wall, chloroplasts, green,
  large vacuoles, oxygen, CO2 , water, enzymes,
  cell membrane, leaves, root, stem, seed

6
Strategy
When taking the Gateway, summarize what you know
and need to include from the documents. Then,
make a list of things you know about the task and
use your list to make an outline, Venn diagram,
chart or other graphic organizer to help you plan
how you will write your response. Include the
information you will use from the documents.
Write a rough draft of your response.
7
Strategy, cont.
See if you can improve the response by using the
Science and Writing Checklist. Rewrite the
rough draft neatly into your response folder.
Make sure you leave enough time to complete
copying your draft. Use documentation and
reference any pictures, diagrams or tables you
included.
8
Strategy, cont.
You SHOULD attempt to write a multi-paragraph
essay complete with INTRODUCTION, BODY, and
CONCLUSION. You SHOULD NOT copy straight from
the packet. For example- do NOT write an entire
essay saying Document A says..Document B
statesDocument C states.. and so on. Do not
copy the scenario as your introduction.
9
Strategy, cont

• You will be graded in science and language arts.
  This section will help you to better understand
  the science aspects.

10
SAMPLE WRITING Task Ecosystems and Food Webs
The scenario gives you background information to
build your thesis
Scenario You are an ecologist studying an
ecosystem that consists of a stream surrounded by
woods. The following organisms can be found in
this ecosystem mice, rabbits, birds, snakes,
bears, large fish, small fish, otters, bacteria,
algae, grass, and seed producing plants. Three
months ago, a manufacturing plant opened about 2
miles upstream. The plant has been dumping waste
water into the stream that contains a high
concentration of acetic acid. Over the last
month, you have been noticing a decline in the
number of fish in the stream you have also
noticed that the grass growing along the side of
the stream is starting to become yellow.
Your job is to write an essay that discusses
the environmental impact of the manufacturing
plants waste on this ecosystem. In your essay,
make sure you include the following.
This part is the basis for your thesis

• Discuss the important producers to this
  ecosystem give an example of a producer.
• Discuss the important decomposers to this
  ecosystem give an example of a decomposer.
• If grass, algae, and seed producing trees are
  eliminated from this ecosystem due to the acidity
  of the water, how will this affect other animals
  in the ecosystem?

Each of these bullets should be included as a
supporting idea in your essay.
11
(No Transcript)
12
The science rubric consists of THREE categories

• Communication of Scientific Facts, Concepts and
  Principles (1-6) (Counts 40 of total score)
• Knowledge and Use of Science (1-6) (Counts 40 of
  total score)
• Use of Scientific Processes (1-6) (Counts 20 of
  total score)

13
COMMUNICATION

• Papers with the following scores, usually have
  these characteristics.
• 6- Exceptional Fully explained and developed.
• 5- Very Good Correct, but could use more
  detail.
• 4- Target Average Most of the response is
  correct.
• 3- Low Average Some of the response correct,
  needs more
  detail.
• 2- Below Average Some of the documents
  copied, too brief, or assumptions
  (ideas) are wrong.
• 1- Poor Not doing what the task asks or not
  understandable.

14
For Communication, you should

• answer ALL parts of the question. That means that
  if there are three bullet points, then you must
  answer all three points with supporting evidence.
• stay on topic or FOCUSED- for example- if the
  topic is cell structure in plants do not talk
  about human body systems. Be sure you can link
  your example to the topic.
• organize the knowledge so it helps the grader
  understand that you know about science.
• develop the essay- how?- with details and
  evidence (in other words support or back up what
  you say.)
• pay attention to words in the task such as
  defend, describe, explain, discuss.
• use diagrams, graphics, tables and formulas
  correctly, as needed.
• explain your reasoning for any statements you
  make.

15
KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF SCIENCE

• Papers with the following scores, usually have
  these characteristics.
• 6- Exceptional Uses extensive prior knowledge and
  documents correctly.
• 5- Very Good Uses correct prior knowledge and
  documents correctly.
• 4- Target Average Prior knowledge and
  documents are used correctly, but not
  often.
• 3- Low Average Limited prior knowledge and
  documents used correctly.
• 2- Below Average Little prior knowledge and
  documents used or used inaccurately.
• 1- Poor No scientific knowledge evident and
  documents copied or not used.

16
For Knowledge, you should

• use facts that are ACCURATE and RELEVANT
• use the DOCUMENTS provided (but do NOT only use
  the documents) and cite your sources for
  example if you pull something from the first
  document, you might cite it like this---- In
  Document A , or Green states that the fish are
  colorful and vicious at the same time (Doc A).

17
Knowledge, cont.

• include PRIOR KNOWLEDGE- Information that is not
  given to you in the documents, but that you know.
  Give facts, ideas, etc. that you learned in
  class or from other sources.
• connect the information to what you already know
• use science vocabulary (that means words that are
  particular to the topic and science and give the
  definition of the word you are using in the
  context of the essay)
• make assumptions that are necessary but make
  sure you explain why they are appropriate.
• Create diagrams if necessary to explain a concept
  or your thoughts. Reference the drawing.

18
USE OF SCIENTIFIC PROCESSES---

• Papers with the following scores, usually have
  these characteristics.
• 6- Exceptional Extensive use of scientific
  connections and transitions among ideas.
• 5- Very Good Well-written and appropriate
  procedures and connections.
• 4- Target Average Correct and coherent
  connections.
• 3- Low Average Some transitions between
  scientific ideas
• 2- Below Average Attempts to connect ideas
• 1- Poor Scientific ideas do not flow together
  or make sense

19
Scientific Processes (Do you understand how to
solve problems as a scientist would?)

• You should
• show them that you really know what you are
  talking about and can use the scientific method.
  This can be demonstrated by if/then or
  cause/effect thinking.
• use the information you have and apply it to the
  topic) and draw some valid conclusions (show some
  connections between the data provided, scientific
  terms and concepts you mention in your essay.)
• write a step by step procedure when required, or
  if it helps answer the question.
• clearly describe and justify any procedures or
  solutions you propose.

20
Language Arts Features
Focus and Development- Focus and Development is
closely tied to communication in the science
rubric and is rated on your ability to answer the
Gateway task. Making sure you address each part
of the question and the bullets will help you to
score well in this area. Organization- Your
paper must have a plan and flow from one
paragraph to the next. You must always have an
introduction and conclusion paragraph. The
opening paragraph should let your rater know what
your paper is going to be about (thesis
statement). The concluding paragraph should put
it all together and summarize your essay. Often
it is appropriate to use information from the
scenario in the opening and concluding paragraph.
The Gateway does not have to be in a five
paragraph essay format. As a general rule, each
part of the essay can be answered as an
independent paragraph.
21
Language Arts Features
Fluency- In the fluency feature, you are rated
on your ability to write well. Your papers
should use interesting and sophisticated words
outside your scientific vocabulary. The words
should flow into sentences and your sentences
into meaningful paragraphs. Errors should not
slow the reader down or force them to wonder what
your meant by your sentence. A good way to do
this is to use a variety of words and sentences-
some short, some long, some simple, some compound
and some complex. In fluency it is better to try
misspell a more complex word than to only use
short, simple ones. Conventions- Grammar, usage,
mechanics and spelling make up the conventions
feature. Did you write in complete sentences, use
proper punctuation, spell correctly, make sure
your subjects and verbs agree, and use paragraph
breaks? You should have a capital letter at the
beginning of the sentence and correct punctuation
at the end. Run on sentences and sentence
fragments should not exist.
22
Language Arts- What should I do?

• Do some brainstorming to get your ideas together
  before you start your essay.
• Write a first draft, make revisions, and then
  write your final draft as neatly as possible.
  (you do not have to double space)
• Try to find a creative way to open your essay.
  Quotes, questions, shocking statements, and
  interesting facts are always good options.
  (organization)
• Make smooth transitions between paragraphs.
  (organization) Examples include next, therefore,
  however, thus

23
Language Arts What should I do?

• Provide a good conclusion that sums up your paper
  and leaves your reader with something to think
  about.
• If they ask you to write a letter, use a letter
  format with a date, salutation, and farewell.
  (conventions)
• Use interesting, precise vocabulary. Stay away
  from generic words, phrases (such as something,
  stuff, etc.), abbreviations, and slang. It is
  better to misspell a high-level vocabulary word
  than to use a word that is too simple or general.
  (fluency).
• Mix up your sentences. Include long and short
  sentences compound, complex, compound-complex,
  and simple sentences. Your sentence structure
  should not be choppy or repetitive. (fluency)

24
Language Arts What should I do?

• After you write your first draft, read it over
  and edit for spelling, grammar, etc.
  (conventions)
• If you make a mistake, cross it out and continue
  writing.
• Be sure you have cited the documents you used.
  The graders will be looking for at least one
  parenthetical citation. (conventions).

25
You need to be

• Knowledgeable
• Confident
• Competent
• And you will do well!

26
Reminder

• Help Session today Tue 03/27/07 from
  215pm-315pm
• Tomorrow afternoon, come by to help Mr. Holden
  collect some bugs for identification