ALEX Learning Activity Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [DLIT] (3) 5 :

R5) Locate and curate information from digital sources to answer research questions.

[SC2015] (3) 11 :

11 ) Construct an argument from evidence to explain the likelihood of an organism's ability to survive when compared to the resources in a certain habitat (e.g., freshwater organisms survive well, less well, or not at all in saltwater; desert organisms survive well, less well, or not at all in woodlands).

a. Construct explanations that forming groups helps some organisms survive.

b. Create models that illustrate how organisms and their habitats make up a system in which the parts depend on each other.

c. Categorize resources in various habitats as basic materials (e.g., sunlight, air, freshwater, soil), produced materials (e.g., food, fuel, shelter), or as nonmaterial (e.g., safety, instinct, nature-learned behaviors).

[ELA2021] (3) 35 :

35. Write an argument to convince the reader to take an action or adopt a position, using an introduction, logical reasoning supported by evidence from various sources, and a conclusion.

[ELA2021] (3) -2 :

R4. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically for research and writing, both individually and collaboratively.

This learning activity explores the likelihood of an organism's ability to survive on Mars. Students will view the website https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/mars-2020/en/ to gather information and write opinion pieces titled "Can Life be Sustained on Mars?".  Students should be able to support their argument with evidence for or against the likelihood of an organism's ability to survive when compared to the resources on Mars. Students must have knowledge of how to write an opinion piece prior to this activity. Prior knowledge regarding what organisms must have in order to survive is needed.

This resource was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] (3) 8 :

8 ) Engage in argument from evidence to justify that traits can be influenced by the environment (e.g., stunted growth in normally tall plants due to insufficient water, change in an arctic fox's fur color due to light and/or temperature, stunted growth of a normally large animal due to malnourishment).

[ELA2021] (3) 34 :

34. Write informative or explanatory texts about a topic using sources, including an introduction, facts, relevant details with elaboration, and a conclusion.

[ELA2021] (3) -2 :

R4. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically for research and writing, both individually and collaboratively.

[ELA2021] (3) -1 :

R5. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.

The authors of Supporting Grade 5-8 Students in Constructing Explanations in Science,  Dr. Kate McNeill and Dr. Joe Krajcik discuss using the framework of the claim, evidence, and reasoning method of argumentation in science instruction. This podcast will help teachers understand the importance of scientific argumentation in the classroom and how this practice is connected to both the Next Generation Science Standards and the Alabama Course of Study Standards