Online Actions in Writing for Math

and Science LAE: 6315 Dr. Joseph

By: Julie Santos

Math and Writing Rubrics

Math Prompt #1

Cuneiform Tablets: From the Reign of Gudea of Lagash to Shalmanassar III. (n.d.). . Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://memory.loc.gov/service/amed/amcune/cf0031/0001ob.jpg

We have been analyzing the achievements of Mesopotamian civilization, including it’s writing system. You have recognized the historical development of mathematics, and the connection between mathematics and the real world. You have created your own writing system based on cuneiform and used it to record a transaction.

Assignment: Now that you have used your own writing system, write a 1-2 page draft describing the appearance of your writing system. Your goal is to convince the reader to start using your new writing system. Describe the advantages of using your writing system instead of the cuneiform. Make comparisons to the cuneiform. Include a sketch of your writing system.

You will be provided feedback on content and voice. You have 2 days to complete this assignment.

Math Prompt #2 You have designed and constructed your own historic structures using Computer Aided Design (CAD). You have used your math skills to convert from a larger scale to a smaller scale.

Write a 1-2 page draft describing the steps you took to convert from a larger scale to a smaller scale. You will be teaching a student in a lower grade how to use these math skills to build a model of your designed historic structure to be displayed in the library. They will be converting from a smaller scale to a larger model size scale.

You will be provided feedback on content, and word choice. You have 3 days to complete this assignment.

2. EAST (FRONT) ELEVATION - McGavock House, 3130 McGavock Pike, Donelson, Davidson County, TN. (n.d.). . Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://lcweb2.loc.gov/pnp/habshaer/tn/tn0000/tn0038/photos/152642pv.jpg

Louden, Jr., P. F. (n.d.). BUILD YOUR OWN HISTORIC STRUCTURES USING COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN (CAD). . Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://library.mtsu.edu/tps/lessonplans&ideas/Lesson%20Plan--Building_Your_Own_Historic_Structures.pdf

Math Prompt #3 We have been analyzing graphs

and quantities depicted in the graphs. We have been using functions to model the relationships between quantities on graphs.

Search for three different graphs in your textbook. Write a short paragraph for each describing qualitatively the functional relationship between the two quantities. You are writing the paragraph as a teaching tool for next year’s 8th grade students.

You will be provided feedback on content, and sentence fluency.

Math Lessons . (n.d.). . Retrieved June 2, 2014, from http://www.bcmath.ca/images/bar%20and%20circle%20graphs%202.png

Math Prompt #5 We have been writing, reading, and

evaluating expressions in which letters stand for numbers. We have recorded operations with numbers and letters standing for numbers. We have identified parts of expressions using sum, term, product, factor and quotient.

Think about a real world math problem that can be solved using an expression with variable at specific values. Write a 1-2 page draft of a story that presents the real world problem. Then introduce the mathematical solution as the hero of the story.

You will be provided feedback on content, voice, and presentation.

. (n.d.). . Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://lifeloveliteracy.blogspot.com/2013/03/human-body-systems-ready-to-teach.html

Science and Writing

Rubrics

Science Prompt #1 You have been distinguishing between the

intended benefits and the unintended consequences of a new technology. You have used primary sources to identify important inventors and analyze specific inventions from the 19th and 20th centuries. You have explored how these inventions have made our lives better or worse.

Research using library and internet and choose a modern invention that will be coming out in the near future or has just recently been introduced in the last six months. Write a 2-3 page length newspaper article draft: 1) describing the new invention, 2) making a claim on whether the inventions will make our lives better or worse 3) provide historical and scientific evidence to support your claim. The purpose of your paper will be to either deter or encourage the public from purchasing this product.

You will be provided feedback on content, organization, and conventions. You have one week to complete this assignment.

Lang, B. (2012, November 12). Google Glass Named 'Best Invention of 2012', Doesn't Launch Until 2014. Road to Virtual Reality. Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://www.roadtovr.com/google-glass-best-invention-2012/

Science Prompt #2 You have explored the process

and development of the Wright brothers’ earlier flying apparatuses leading up to and including the first sustained, controlled flight of 1903.

Reflect on the project and compose a 1-2 page journal entry comparing and contrasting the scientific method to the engineering design process. Use this journal entry to explore the similarities and difference of the two processes and reflect on what you have learned.

You will be provided feedback on content, and sentence fluency. You have 2 days to complete this assignment.

Wright, W., & Wright, O. (1902, September 19). [Side view of Dan Tate, left, and Wilbur, right, flying the 1902 glider as a kite]. [Side view of Dan Tate, left, and Wilbur, right, flying the 1902 glider as a kite]. Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppprs.00631

Science Prompt #3 We have been working on how

to design and conduct a study using repeated trials and replication.

You will now submit a 1-2 page draft proposing a study which you will be conducting as your midterm exam. You will explain the topic, historical background on the topic, design, and scientific questions. This will be used to help you organize your study and submit the proposal for approval.

You will be provided feedback on content, spelling, and grammar conventions. You have 5 days to complete this assignment.

Photo Source: stevespanglerscience.com

Science Prompt #4 We have been exploring scientific

and pseudoscientific ideas. Scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence, robust, and durable, but open to change. Scientific knowledge provides a limited understanding of the supernatural, aesthetic, or other ways of knowing.

Write a debate script draft distinguishing between scientific and pseudoscientific ideas.

You will be provided feedback on your understanding of scientific and pseudoscientific ideas, presentation, and conventions. You have 3 days to complete this assignment.

Is pseudoscience real science?. (n.d.). The Premier Online Debate Website. Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-pseudoscience-real-science

Science Prompt #5 We have been learning about space exploration. We have

reviewed how space exploration can effect the economy and culture. We will now focus specifically on Florida.

Write a 1-2 page draft of a newspaper article to be published on the class website summarizing the effects of space exploration on the economy and culture of Florida. Provide text based evidence to support your article. Citations are required.

You will receive feedback on sentence fluency, and conventions. You have five days to research and compose your draft.

Heisler, T. (2011, July 7). Countdown for Shuttle, and for a Bit of the Florida Economy. The New York Times. Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/us/08shuttle.html?_r=0