ALEX Learning Activity

  

Synthetic Medicines vs. Natural Remedies in the Media

A Learning Activity is a strategy a teacher chooses to actively engage students in learning a concept or skill using a digital tool/resource.

You may save this Learning Activity to your hard drive as an .html file by selecting “File”,then “Save As” from your browser’s pull down menu. The file name extension must be .html.
  This learning activity provided by:  
Author: Holly Evans
System:Jefferson County
School:Rudd Middle School
  General Activity Information  
Activity ID: 2260
Title:
Synthetic Medicines vs. Natural Remedies in the Media
Digital Tool/Resource:
Video Clip List for Synthetic vs. Natural Medicine
Web Address – URL:
Overview:

In this activity, students will research synthetic medicines and their natural counterparts which perform the same functions.  After evaluating the pros and cons of each, students will write a persuasive paragraph expressing their opinions about whether to use synthetic or natural medicines.

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

  Associated Standards and Objectives  
Content Standard(s):
Science
SC2015 (2015)
Grade: 8
Physical Science
3 ) Construct explanations based on evidence from investigations to differentiate among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.

a. Collect and analyze information to illustrate how synthetic materials (e.g., medicine, food additives, alternative fuels, plastics) are derived from natural resources and how they impact society.


NAEP Framework
NAEP Statement::
P8.4a: Elements are a class of substances composed of a single kind of atom.

NAEP Statement::
P8.4b: Compounds are composed of two or more different elements.

NAEP Statement::
P8.4c: Each element and compound has physical and chemical properties, such as boiling point, density, color, and conductivity, which are independent of the amount of the sample.


Unpacked Content
Scientific And Engineering Practices:
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; Analyzing and Interpreting Data; Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns
Disciplinary Core Idea: Matter and Its Interactions
Evidence Of Student Attainment:
Students:
  • Analyze evidence from investigations related to compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
  • Interpret evidence from investigations related to compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
  • Construct explanations to differentiate among compounds, mixtures, and solutions based on evidence from investigations.
  • Collect information related to how synthetic materials are derived from natural resources and how they impact society.
  • Analyze information related to how synthetic materials are derived from natural resources and how they impact society.
  • Use information to illustrate how synthetic materials are derived from natural resources and how they impact society.
Teacher Vocabulary:
  • Molecule
  • Atom
  • Compound
  • Element
  • Mixture
  • Intermingled
  • Component
  • Physical means
  • Properties
  • Solution
  • Homogeneous
  • Solute
  • Solvent
  • Dissolve
  • Analyze
  • Synthetic
  • Natural resources
  • Society
Knowledge:
Students know:
  • A molecule is formed when two or more atoms join together chemically.
  • A compound is a molecule that contains at least two different elements.
  • All compounds are molecules but not all molecules are compounds.
  • A mixture consists of two or more different elements and/or compounds physically intermingled.
  • A mixture can be separated into its components by physical means, and often retains many of the properties of its components.
  • A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. A solution may exist in any phase.
  • A solution consists of a solute and a solvent. The solute is the substance that is dissolved in the solvent.
  • Synthetic materials are made by humans.
  • Synthetic materials can be derived from natural resources through chemical processes.
  • The effects of the production and use of synthetic materials have impacts on society.
Skills:
Students are able to:
  • Articulate a statement that relates a given phenomenon to a scientific idea, including the differences among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
  • Identify and use multiple valid and reliable sources of evidence to construct an explanation differentiating among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
  • Use reasoning to connect the evidence and support an explanation of differences among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
  • Identify and describe the phenomenon under investigation, which includes the differences among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
  • Identify and describe the purpose of the investigation, which includes providing evidence of differences among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
  • Collect and record data, according to the given investigation plan.
  • Evaluate the data to determine the differences between compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
  • Obtain information about synthetic materials from published, grade-level appropriate material from multiple sources.
  • Determine and describe whether the gathered information is relevant.
  • Use information to illustrate how synthetic materials are derived from natural resources.
  • Use information to illustrate how synthetic materials impact society.
Understanding:
Students understand that:
  • Compounds, mixtures, and solutions can be differentiated from one another based on characteristics.
  • Synthetic materials come from natural resources.
  • Synthetic materials have an impact on society.
AMSTI Resources:
AMSTI Module:
Exploring the Properties of Matter
Experimenting with Mixtures, Compounds, and Elements

Alabama Alternate Achievement Standards
AAS Standard:
SCI.AAS.8.3- Differentiate between compounds and mixtures.
SCI.AAS.8.3a- Recognize that synthetic materials are made from natural resources; identify a synthetic material and the natural resource from which it is derived.


English Language Arts
ELA2021 (2021)
Grade: 8
8. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language.

a. Write narratives that establish a clear purpose, use narrative techniques, and sequence events coherently.

Examples: narratives - memoir, short story, personal narrative; techniques - dialogue, pacing, description, reflection;
sequencing - chronological, reverse chronological, flashback

b. Write informative or explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas or processes effectively, by developing the topic with relevant information or data from credible sources and using appropriate transitions and precise vocabulary.

c. Write an argument to defend a position by introducing and supporting a claim, distinguishing the claim from opposing claims, presenting counterclaims and reasons, and citing accurate, relevant textual evidence from credible sources.
Unpacked Content
Teacher Vocabulary:
8.
  • Narrative writing
  • Argument writing
  • Informative/explanatory writing
  • Writing development
  • Writing organization
  • Style
  • Tone
  • Task
  • Purpose
  • Audience
  • Command of language
8a.
  • Narratives
  • Clear purpose
  • Narrative techniques
  • Sequence
8b.
  • Informative text
  • Explanatory text
  • Credible sources
  • Transitions
  • Precise vocabulary
8c.
  • Argument
  • Defend a position
  • Claim
  • Opposing claim
  • Counterclaims
  • Relevant evidence
  • Accurate sources
  • Credible sources
Knowledge:
8. Students know:
  • A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story.
  • The purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the reader to take action or adopt a particular position.
  • Informative or explanatory text is a piece of writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple research sources.
  • The development, organization, style, and tone of writing will change depending on the writing task, the purpose of the writing, and the intended audience.
  • Formal academic writing should demonstrate an appropriate command of language.
8a.
  • A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story, such as a memoir, a short story, or a personal narrative.
  • Narrative writing includes techniques, like dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection.
  • Events in narrative writing should be sequenced in a coherent manner, such as chronological, reverse chronological, or the inclusion of flashbacks.
8b.
  • Informative or explanatory text is writing that examines and explains complex ideas or processes, utilizing information from multiple credible research sources.
  • Informative or explanatory text has an organized structure, and usually begins by clearly focusing on the topic, providing credible evidence, and ends with a conclusion.
  • Informative or explanatory writing should include academic, content-specific technical word meanings.
  • Words that indicate transitions.
8c.
  • The purpose of argumentative writing is to defend an opinion.
  • Argumentative writing includes introducing the topic by stating an argumentative claim, relevant evidence to support the claim, distinguishing the claim from opposing claims, acknowledging counterclaims, and a concluding statement.
  • Evidence to support the argument must be collected from various accurate and credible sources.
Skills:
8. Students are able to:
  • Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writings.
  • Identify the writing task, the purpose of writing, and the intended audience in order to appropriately adapt the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing.
  • Demonstrate command of the written language.
8a.
  • Write a narrative with a coherent sequence of plot events and a clear purpose.
  • Incorporate narrative techniques in their narrative writing, including dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection.
8b.
  • Gather credible information and data from multiple sources.
  • Write an informative or explanatory text with an organized structure and formal style that develops the topic and utilizes appropriate transitions, credible information or data, and technical vocabulary words.
8c.
  • Write an argument to defend a position.
  • Gather evidence from accurate and credible sources to support the claim.
  • Include a claim and relevant evidence in argumentative writing.
  • Acknowledge alternate or opposing claims in argumentative writing.
  • Present counterclaims and supporting reasons in argumentative writing.
Understanding:
8. Students understand that:
  • There are different genres of writing that serve various purposes.
  • The writing task, purpose, and audience should be considered in the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing.
  • Formal academic writing should display their command of the English language.
8a.
  • Narrative writing can take many forms, but there should be a coherent sequence of events.
  • Literary techniques are tools that can be used to create a piece of narrative writing.
  • Literary techniques in narrative writing contribute to the overall meaning and purpose of the text.
8b.
  • Informative or explanatory writing follows a predictable, organized text structure that utilizes appropriate transition words and precise vocabulary.
  • They must gather their information and data about the topic from multiple credible research sources.
  • Using credible information/data can support a writer's ideas and claims.
  • Writers elaborate on details included in the text by using formal academic, content-specific technical words.
8c.
  • To effectively defend a position, they must present relevant, well-organized evidence from accurate and credible sources.
  • An argument can be more effective if a writer acknowledges opposing viewpoints and counterclaims.
Learning Objectives:

1.  Students will be able to evaluate opposing media viewpoints about synthetic/pharmaceutical and natural remedies.

2.  Students will write a paragraph expressing their opinion about using synthetic or natural medicines.

  Strategies, Preparations and Variations  
Phase:
During/Explore/Explain
Activity:

1.  Students will take part in a teacher-facilitated discussion about products they see advertised in as 100% natural in the media or in stores.  They share any experiences they have about prices or effectiveness.

2.  Students view video clips from Video Clips for Synthetic vs. Natural Medicines.

3.  Students work in pairs to use digital devices (laptops, tablets, phones) to search for ads about natural medicines and pharmaceutical products.  Pairs share what they found in a class discussion.

4.  Students write a paragraph to express their personal opinion about the following question:  Should people take synthetic medicines or use natural remedies?  Students should use examples from video clips watched by the class, partner research, or personal experience to support their opinion.

Assessment Strategies:

Student paragraphs are evaluated based on the validity of reasoning and written expression.


Advanced Preparation:

1.  The teacher will need a working internet connection, LCD projector or wall monitor, and speakers.

2.  Student pairs will need access to digital devices and internet connection.

Variation Tips (optional):

Student pairs may be assigned to look for pros or cons for natural and synthetic medicine.

Notes or Recommendations (optional):
 
  Keywords and Search Tags  
Keywords and Search Tags: compounds, media, medicine, natural, synthetic