Issues Investigation: Stage One Chemistry 2012 Introduction: Plastics are used in most articles we rely on each day.

. Unfortunately they are made from the same raw material we rely on for petrol; crude oil. Our world-wide supply of this valuable resource is rapidly running out. Plastics also contribute to environmental problems as they are non-biodegradable. Your investigation will focus plastics to improve your understanding of an issue associated with the production, use, or disposal of plastic. The task consists of 2 parts. Part 1- Information Search & Critical Analysis of Two Articles: 1. An introduction identifying your chosen plastics related issue: The question. 2. An evaluation of information gathered. 3. A rough summary of findings (This is not included in word count). 4. Identification of alternative views relevant to the issue. 5. Highlighting and annotation of articles and a reference list (Harvard). In Part 2-Article Response & Report: 6. Summary of findings from a range of resources. 7. Statement and explanation of the relevant chemistry involved. 8. Explanation of the perspectives of the issue. 9. In text citation. 10. Conclusions drawn. Specific Instructions: For part 1- Information Search & Critical Analysis of Two Articles: 1. After reading around the issues associated with plastics, formulate the question that will be the focus of your research. 2. Find at least 3 articles to help you in addressing the requirements. 3. Choose two articles with opposing viewpoints and complete the template sheets given. For part 2- Article Response & Report: With reference to your chosen articles complete a short report addressing your chosen issue. The report must include the following: 1. An introduction that identifies the chemistry issue investigated. 2. Relevant chemical background 3. The identification and relevant chemical explanation of at least two alternative views with evidence from your research 4. Demonstrate an understanding of different perspectives 5. Critical evaluation of the evidence with explanation of the relevant chemistry involved; expanding on that introduced in part 1. 6. Summary of findings. 7. Reference to diagrams, flow charts and graphs. 8. Explanation of links between scientific data, relevant concepts and the issue. 9. Develop and explain your own conclusion. 10. In text citation and reference list.

Word Count: 750 words

1

Stage 1 Chemistry Issues Investigation Part 1: Information Search & Critical Analysis Name: Issue:

Student response I2 Research skills: Selection and acknowledgement of information about chemistry and issues in chemistry from different sources.
Appropriate article information source (correctly formatted reference): relevant information highlighted and annotated in materials submitted

A&E1 Information Selection: Analysis of connections between data, concepts, and issues in chemistry. K&U3 Communication: Communication of knowledge and understanding of chemistry in different formats. Formative Chemical Conventions Word count (<200)
Select information and summarise at least 3 points from the article that address your initial plastics question, either in the positive or negative

A&E 3 Analysis and evaluation: Analysis and evaluation of data and other evidence to formulate relevant conclusions Word count (<100) Relevance:
the degree to which the source addresses the topic

Bias:
evidence of a prejudiced or partial viewpoint that influences interpretation of the material

Credibility:
the credentials, education, experience, peer review etc.) of the source

Stage 1 Chemistry Issues Investigation Part 2: The Report Scaffold

The following structure can be used as a starting point. INTRODUCTION My issue to be investigated is

How has this issue come about? (Background)

MAIN BODY (sub headings can be used) What are the reasons (at least 2) in support of this issue? (including chemical evidence)

What are the reasons (at least 2) for arguing against this issue? (including chemical evidence)

How valid are the reasons given that support this issue? (include supporting evidence from your research)

How valid are the reasons given that argue against this issue? (include supporting evidence from your research)

SUMMARY Sum up the main points raised in the main body paragraphs

How does the scientific data support or refute the main points related to the issue?

CONCLUSION What is my conclusion about this issue?

Why have I come to this conclusion?

BIBLIOGRAPHY Have I used in-text and end-text citations correctly? Have I made reference to, included and correctly cited diagrams, flow charts and/or tables?

Performance Standards I2 - Selection and acknowledgement of information about chemistry and issues in chemistry from different sources.. /5 marks In text citation Bibliography A
.

D .

E /10 marks

A&E1 Analysis of connections between data, concepts, and issues in chemistry. Data quoted and discussed Advantages and disadvantages evaluated

. A B C D . E A&E3- Comparison: Analysis and evaluation of data and other evidence to formulate relevant conclusions /10 marks Systematic approach Logical sequence

Conclusions/prediction A
.

D .

A1- Recommendations: Application of chemistry concepts and evidence from investigations to solve problems in new and familiar contexts. /10 marks Solutions to issue suggested. A
.

D .

KU1- Chemical Understanding: Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of chemistry concepts. /10 marks Chemistry included and correct
. A B C D . E KU2 Social or environmental issues: Use of knowledge of chemistry to understand and explain social or environmental issues. /10 marks Links between chemistry and social/environmental. . A B C D . E KU3-Communication: Communication of knowledge and understanding of chemistry in different formats. /5 marks Structure

Expression Diagrams, flow charts. A graphs, B C D . E