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Science - Year 11: Biology - Semester 1 SHE: The Task...

The Task:

In this task you will investigate an aspect of contemporary Biology with a particular emphasis on the interaction between society and science.

You will need to select and explore a recent discovery, innovation, issue or advancement linked to one of the following topics with Biology:

  • Epigenetics
  • Microbes
  • Infectious Diseases

You will analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources to explain the science relevant to the focus of your investigation, show its connections to science as a human endeavor and develop and justify your conclusions. You will present your findings and conclusions as a scientific journal which must include the use of scientific terminology.

Your research, findings and outcome should have a focus on at least one of the following key concepts of Science as a Human Endeavour:

(image design: S Burzacott-Gorman  © 2018)

Part A: Inspiration Springboard

Use this LibGuide to undertake an initial search of Biology that is of interest to you. Record the resources in a reference list use Harvard Referencing, for future reference.

Print out two articles to annotate initially. Use 4 different coloured pens to highlight links to four SHE concepts within your articles. Use the table format provided in your SHE guide book to synthesize the evidence you have found under each SHE heading. It should be clear which SHE concepts best match your topic based on the volume of evidence found. Write a summary (approx. 200 words) that crystalises the essence of each article

Part B: Refinement of Chosen Focus

Search for any further information that will enable you to provide a comprehensive and detailed report, with highly relevant biology that links to the chosen SHE key concept. This will also assist you in being able to justify your conclusions.

Link your chosen focus to one or two of the key concepts of SHE. Use the diagram template to record evidence between your articles and SHE area. NOTE: This will be difficult when the topic and statement don’t have a clear relationship

Record the resources in a reference list using Harvard Referencing, for future reference.

Find sources that provide statistical data to justify your discussion points.

(Reminder: on the first page of the main 11 Biology LibGuide there is a downloadable spreadsheet of all the science-related resources available from the National Library of Australia. There is also a link to the NLA membership application page if you haven't joined up yet.)

Part C: Scientific Communication

Your report must include:

  • an introduction, to identify the focus of the investigation and the key concepts of science as a human endeavour that it links to (approx. 100 words)
  • relevant biology concepts or background (this should support your report but not be the focus) (approx. 100 words)
  • an explanation of how the focus of the investigation illustrates the interaction between science and society (Focus on two of the SHE concepts). Use Claim, Evidence, Justification to formaulate your paragraphs.
  • a discussion of the impact to society with a focus on describing the potential applications and limitations of the science for society. Think big what social, political, economic, environmental, legal or cultural considerations will impact society from the progression of this science?
  • a conclusion (approx. 100 words) (include own opinion – must not include new information)
  • citations and referencing. (Use the Online Reference Generator to ensure consistency.)

 

Reference Your Resources

Email Library staff for the login information, make sure that you include your name and a clear explanation of what you are asking for: Miss Phillips Mrs Lim Ms Lane. Once you have the login details, follow the link below to the Online Reference Generator and create Harvard-style citations for all of your resources/references.