Introduction & Purpose of task
Introduction & Purpose of task
In this task, you will investigate and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of science as a human endeavour in Biology related to any of the topics in Stage 2 Biology.
The focus of this task is to explore and aspect of contemporary (recent to 5-15 years) Biology with an emphasis on its interaction with society, the application and use of biological knowledge, the influence and development of new technologies and its application in the real world.
You will use and acknowledge a variety of relevant sources to find data and information to support your chosen topic. Your written report will provide an experts analysis.
By completing this task, you should be able to:
Performance Standards A B C D E
Investigation, Analysis and Evaluation 3 Analysis and interpretation of data and other evidence to formulate and justify conclusions. Knowledge and Application 1 Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of biological concepts 3 Exploration and understanding of the interaction between science and society 4 Communication of knowledge and understanding of biological concepts and information, using appropriate terms, conventions, and representations. See Assessment Rubric (last page) for characteristics of the A to E grade bands.
Your research, findings and outcomes should have a focus on at least one of the Key Concepts of Science as a Human Endeavour as listed below:
Communication & Collaboration
Science is a global enterprise that relies on clear communication, international conventions, and review and verification of results
Collaboration between scientists, governments and other agencies is often required in scientific investigation
Development
Development of complex scientific models and/or theories often require a wide range of evidence from many sources and across disciplines.
New technologies improve the efficiency of scientific procedures and data collection and analysis. This can reveal new evidence that may modify or replace models, theories and processes.
Influence
Advances in scientific understanding in one field can influence and be influenced by other areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The acceptance and use of scientific knowledge can be influenced by social, economic, cultural and ethical considerations.
Application & Limitation
Scientific knowledge, understanding, and inquiry can enable scientists to develop solutions, make discoveries, design action for sustainability, evaluate economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts, offer valid explanations, and make reliable predictions
The use of scientific knowledge may have beneficial or unexpected consequences; this requires monitoring, assessment and evaluation of risk, and provides opportunities for innovation.
Science informs public debate and is in turn influenced by public debate; at times, there may be complex, unanticipated variables or insufficient data that may limit possible conclusions.
Part A: Information search and planning
Select and explore a recent discovery, innovation, issue or advancement linked to one of the topics in biology.
DNA & proteins
Cells as the basis of life
Homeostasis
Evolution
Analyse and synthesise the information from different sources to explain the science relevant to the focus of your investigation and show its connections to science as a human endeavour and develop and justify your conclusions.
Provide evidence to your teacher of your chosen topic, initial findings, annotated articles, data, notes, reference list etc.
Demonstrate the links you have made to the key concepts chosen. You may use tables, concept maps, lotus diagram or any other format you think will help.
Choose the format of your work: an article in a scientific journal, a written report, a newspaper article, an oral scientific presentation
While Part A will be submitted and used to write your report it will not be included in your word count.
Possible areas of focus
Collaboration between scientists, government and other agencies to implement new technologies
New technologies to control/ stop/reverse climate change
New technologies in comparative genomics
Initiatives for the preservation of biodiversity
Controversial uses for transgenic animals
Vaccination development and new techniques with cell culture
Ethical and social considerations related to the use of next generation sequencing
Impact of chemicals on health and environment
Bioethical considerations of CRISPR and other gene editing technologies
Innovative medical devices
Effect of human activities on species survival
Personalised medicines and therapies for cancer or neurological disorders.
Possible starting points for the investigation could include, for example:
the announcement of a discovery in the field of biological science
an experts point of view on a controversial innovation
a TED talk based on a biological development
an article from a scientific publication (e.g.Cosmos)
public concern about an issue that has environmental, social, economic, or political implications
changes in government funding for biology-related purposes, e.g. for scientific research into biotechnology, conservation planning, hormone use in food production, safe disposal of nuclear waste, biosecurity, water quality, energy supplies, disease control, health
innovative directions in research.
Part B: Report Structure
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Introduction (100 words)
Grasp the readers attention
Introduce the topic being investigated
Briefly state the SHE key concepts connected to the topic
How this topic demonstrates a connection between science and society
Biological Relevance (400 words)
The relevant biology and concepts that will support readers understanding the biology however is not the purpose of the SHE task!
Body of the SHE Explained (800 words)(several paragraphs on the SHE key concept(s) chosen evidence and elaboration)(2 SHE concepts deeply elaborated is better than 3 thinly elaborated) recommend PICK BETWEEN CC, D or I
Begin with a topic sentence this introduces the main idea of the paragraph
Develop, support and / or illustrate the main idea citing evidence from article and other articles you may cite
Provide a relevant concluding statement
Purpose, Potential Impact or Application (100 words)
Suggest either the purpose, potential impact or application of the topic investigated with a lens on how SCIENCE influences SOCIETY this is key for the whole task
Relate to the SHE concept, Application and Limitation
Conclusion (100 words)
Summarise the main points and connection in the SHE key concepts
No inclusion of NEW IDEAS
Be based on EVIDENCE put forward in the report
Reference List
In text referencing and reference list using Harvard Referencing.
Submission Timeline
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Part A
Information Search & PlanningMonday 29 July (Week 2 Term 3)
- one-on-one discussion with me
Part B
Draft ReportFriday 23 August (Week 5 Term 3)
Part C
Final Report SubmissionMonday 9 September (Week 8 Term 3)
(Word count: maximum of 1500 words)
- Investigation, Analysis, and Evaluation Knowledge and Application
A Critically deconstructs a problem and designs a logical, coherent, and detailed biological investigation.
Obtains, records, and represents data, using appropriate conventions and formats accurately and highly effectively.
Systematically analyses and interprets data and evidence to formulate logical conclusions with detailed justification.
Critically and logically evaluates procedures and their effect on data. Demonstrates deep and broad knowledge and understanding of a range of biological concepts.
Applies biological concepts highly effectively in new and familiar contexts.
Critically explores and understands in depth the interaction between science and society.
Communicates knowledge and understanding of biology coherently, with highly effective use of appropriate terms, conventions, and representations.
B Logically deconstructs a problem and designs a well-considered and clear biological investigation.
Obtains, records, and represents data, using appropriate conventions and formats mostly accurately and effectively.
Logically analyses and interprets data and evidence to formulate suitable conclusions with reasonable justification.
Logically evaluates procedures and their effect on data. Demonstrates some depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of a range of biological concepts.
Applies biological concepts mostly effectively in new and familiar contexts.
Logically explores and understands in some depth the interaction between science and society.
Communicates knowledge and understanding of biology mostly coherently, with effective use of appropriate terms, conventions, and representations.
CDeconstructs a problem and designs a considered and generally clear biological investigation.
Obtains, records, and represents data, using generally appropriate conventions and formats, with some errors but generally accurately and effectively.
Undertakes some analysis and interpretation of data and evidence to formulate generally appropriate conclusions with some justification.
Evaluates procedures and some of their effect on data. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of a general range of biological concepts.
Applies biological concepts generally effectively in new or familiar contexts.
Explores and understands aspects of the interaction between science and society.
Communicates knowledge and understanding of biology generally effectively, using some appropriate terms, conventions, and representations.
DPrepares a basic deconstruction of a problem and an outline of a biological investigation.
Obtains, records, and represents data, using conventions and formats inconsistently, with occasional accuracy and effectiveness.
Describes data and undertakes some basic interpretation to formulate a basic conclusion.
Attempts to evaluate procedures or suggest an effect on data. Demonstrates some basic knowledge and partial understanding of biological concepts.
Applies some biological concepts in familiar contexts.
Partially explores and recognises aspects of the interaction between science and society.
Communicates basic biological information, using some appropriate terms, conventions, and/or representations.
E Attempts a simple deconstruction of a problem and a procedure for a biological investigation.
Attempts to record and represent some data, with limited accuracy or effectiveness.
Attempts to describe results and/or interpret data to formulate a basic conclusion.
Acknowledges that procedures affect data. Demonstrates limited recognition and awareness of biological concepts.
Attempts to apply biological concepts in familiar contexts.
Attempts to explore and identify an aspect of the interaction between science and society.
Attempts to communicate information about biology.
Performance Standards rubric
Unpacking SHE concepts:
This graphic gives you an overview of the main aspects of science as a human endeavor:
Focus on at least one of the Key Concepts of Science as a Human Endeavour as listed below:
In test or exam questions that will be worth up to 6 marks this is a rough guide:
Typical mark allocation for test or exam questions
Generally, you will have choice re the KC(s) to choose, therefore the mark allocation will be something like:
1 markfor stating the KC AND describing an example of this KC from the article
1-2 marksfor applying this KC to a SOCIETY!!!!! context
1-2 marksvery well explained/applied KC
(If a question is worth 6 marks you can choose up to two different KCs to discuss)
Marks will not be awarded for:
- for just stating 4 KCs(2 marks max)
- for just stating KCs + and an example from article(3 marks max)
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NOTE: increasingly they are now appearing in exams is different formats:
You might be able to choose from any of the four KC
You can be directed to ONE KC only
Each part of a question will relate to a different KC (for eg 2021 exam SHE)
The FOUR key concepts you MUST remember are below.
In any question where you have choice to select the KI you should name it! THEN give evidence of it (extracted from a sentence or statement in the exam question) THEN elaborate on its connection with SOCIETY (this is the applied knowledge bit). At the very minimum, when the exam question tells you to write on Development for example and may even give you the sentence statement YOUR 1-2 marks will come from your ability to LINK with SOCIETY.
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Retrieved on 27/05/21 from https://libguides.wilderness.com.au/Senior/Science/Biology/Stage2/SHE/task
The four Key concepts unpacked:- (in blue are kinds of evidence you can look for to support)
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Communication & Collaboration (C & C)
2206581420Science is a global enterprise that relies on clear communication, international conventions, and review and verification of results
Peer-reviewed papers, conferences, meetings, workshops
International/national groups working together
Consistency in protocols, measurements, equipment
That shows reliability of results (ie repeated by others)
200045138123
Collaboration between scientists, governments and other agencies is often required in scientific investigation
Government agencies, science advising government protocols, implementation (eg recent COVID vaccines / agriculture / weather patterns)
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Development (D)
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Development of complex scientific models and/or theories often require a wide range of evidence from many sources and across disciplines.
Peer-reviewed papers
Experimentation (range) of experiments
International/national groups working together
Look for applications from other disciplines (eg a Physics discovery being applied in Biology)
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New technologies improve the efficiency of scientific procedures and data collection and analysis. This can reveal new evidence that may modify or replace models, theories and processes.
SHE topic describe a new technology that improves efficiencies?
What is this new technology?
Improvement in procedure, data collection and/or analysis? Explain
Does it highlight a new finding or cast a new perspective on a current theory?
What is that?
Why is the new finding significant?
What/Who benefits? (think social, economic (eg productivity, profits, government funding, predicted costs), community (lives saved, health outcomes), geographical, ecological, or the individual
Implications? (Putting the new model/processes to action revised action plan, new policy?, unexpected outcomes? (Positive or negative?), risks
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1572272586490Influence (I)
Advances in scientific understanding in one field can influence and be influenced by other areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Identify what the understandings from other fields is and where been adopted in another?
How is that understanding applied in the new field?
1956266849950What advantages or influence does that new application have on society?- likewise was there a society demand that brought about this transfer of information or understanding
The acceptance and use of scientific knowledge can be influenced by social, economic, cultural and ethical considerations.
Look for evidence of the change of attitude of society toward something for example in 2020 the COVID app was released normally public are wary of apps that can be used to gain information about a person, in this case the people they were in contact with. Normally there would be no support. However because of the fear or need to be able to follow the disease, this changed their attitude because:1. Social yes all about social distancing and disease spread
2. Economic yes if disease is uncontrollable then economies will shut down / when you speak on economies talk about employment, mental health that comes from having employment, employment means jobs, personal incomes, product creation, and national exports or depended on imports
3. Cultural identify particular nuances between cultures that may be relevant
4. Ethical (def. what is considered good for society or individuals or animals. Based in morals. Ethics will be influenced by societys values.)
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Application & Limitation (A & I)
17584654745900Looking for any of these features below (in colour) in relation to any of the CC, D or I then strongly makes a case for the benefits to SOCIETY the main POINT of a SHE task
Scientific knowledge, understanding, and inquiry can enable scientists to develop solutions, make discoveries, design action for sustainability, evaluate economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts, offer valid explanations, and make reliable predictions
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The use of scientific knowledge may have beneficial or unexpected consequences; this requires monitoring, assessment and evaluation of risk, and provides opportunities for innovation.
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Science informs public debate and is in turn influenced by public debate; at times, there may be complex, unanticipated variables or insufficient data that may limit possible conclusions.
Writing your SHE report a valuable checklist SEE instruction sheet for WAY to STRUCTURE your SHE
Consider the focus:
Is it clear what the recent discovery, innovation, issue, or advance is?
Is it linked to one of the topics in Stage 2 Biology?
In the Introduction:
Have you identified the focus of the investigation?
Is the key concept(s) of science as a human endeavour to which it is linked clearly identified?
Biological background:
Has the relevant biology been explained in sufficient depth at Stage 2 level, not just researched facts and/or figures?
Interaction between science and society:
Is there an explanation of how the focus of the investigation illustrates the interaction between science and society?
Is there a discussion about how society influences science?
Is there a discussion about how science influences society?
Is there specific reference to the work of scientists?
Has the (potential) impact of the focus on society been discussed?
Conclusion:
Is there a summary of the findings of the investigation (without introducing new information)?
Citation and referencing:
Is there appropriate acknowledgement of sources of information within the report?
Have references been appropriately detailed? at the end of the report
Accessing these journals will require a National Library of Australia membership (which is free -go to the website and apply for a card)so that you can use the relevant EBSCOHost database. Please consult the "How to find a journal on an EBSCOHost Database" tab for instructions on accessing the various titles.
Academic Search Complete, an EBSCOHost database,provides access to journals such as:Microbiology, Canadian Journal of Microbiology, Journal of Microbiology, Journal of Bacteriology, Journal of Virology,andInternational Microbiology.If you click on the covers above you will be taken to the website for each title - you can search for articles there and then use the titles to searchAcademic Search Complete.
E-Journals, another EBSCOHost database, provides access to journals like:Infection and Immunity,Journal of Basic Microbiology,Molecular and Cellular Biology,andNature. As with the previous journals, clicking on each of these covers will take you to their websites so you can search more easily for articles.
