SCIENCE & CONTROVERSY - PERFECT TOGETHER!!!

The science of creating life is by far one of the most controversial topics of our lifetime. Science that "tampers" with LIFE often clashes with peoples' beliefs and values because it alters what many people feel was naturally and/or divinely created. Oftentimes, we have to "agree to disagree" on controversial topics such as cloning, genetic engineering, invitro fertilization and bionics to name a few.

8th grade students are reading "Man-Made Monsters" by Daniel Cohen and excerpts from Mary Shelley's book Frankenstein. Explain the quote from the "monster's perspective in Shelley's sometimes infamous story of Frankenstein.

QUOTE: What was I? Of my creation and creator I was absolutely ignorant, but I knew that I possessed no money, no friends, no kind of property. I was, besides, endued with a figure hideously deformed and loathsome; I was not even of the same nature as man. I was more agile than they and could subsist upon coarser diet; I bore the extremes of heat and cold with less injury to my frame; my stature far exceeded theirs. When I looked around I saw and heard of none like me. Was I, then, a monster, a blot upon the earth, from which all men fled and whom all men disowned?

o The monster in Ch. 13

Why is the monster questioning his "creation" or life?

Research the pros/cons of one of the aforementioned controversial topics IVF, cloning, genetic engineering, and bionics?

In your opinion, when does science cross the line of good to bad. Give examples

READ: OLDEST GALAXY

Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon famously said, "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind."

Explain this famous quote and relate it to the discoveries made in the article.

Why is space exploration and discovery relevant?

READ: Untold Miner Stories

Research an untold miner story and briefly explain the dangers associated with mining. Compare and contrast the recent rescue of Chilean Miners with miners in other parts of the world that are "far less lucky."

READ: Is Sammy Alive?

Focus Question:
What are some of the quality of life issues Sammy faces by the end of the story?

What are seven characteristics of life for all living things?

Explain when you think Sammy died and why?

READ: Louisiana Builds Barriers Even as Oil Disperses

Focus Questions:
What are the pros and cons of Louisiana building a chain of sand berms off its coast to block and capture oil?

How and when did BP cap its “runaway well?”

“Some political analysts in Louisiana suggest that abandoning the berm project far short of completion could mar the public’s largely positive perception of Mr. Jindal’s handling of the spill, which raised his profile both locally and nationally.” Explain why some political analysts feel this way.

Science Literacy@OLIVER

Every class is a reading class!!! Therefore, this blog will provide students with a social and innovative way to read and learn about science. Students can participate in this private forum by expressing their ideas, concerns and interest. Students will also have access to hard copies of articles; therefore, they have a CHOICE in deciding how they partipate. The scope of the science readings will primarily cover life, earth, and physical science. This BLOG will serve as an extension and interdisciplinary connection to reading and writing. HAPPY READING to ALL:)!!!