Writing: Position Paper about the Use of DDT

Description

Building on the research and decision-making process that students completed in Unit 2, Unit 3 is an extended writing process during which students draft, revise, edit, and publish their research-based position papers. In the first half of the unit, students analyze a model position paper and plan their own, with several opportunities to talk through their ideas as well as get feedback to improve their plans. The mid-unit assessment is students’ best draft of their position paper. In the second half of the unit, students revise their position papers based on teacher feedback. They also receive lessons on the use of grade-level-appropriate vocabulary and formal English in writing.

The end of unit assessment is students’ published position paper as well as a student reflection on the process of writing the paper, using evidence from the students’ own work. Finally, students engage in the performance task: creating a scientific poster based on their position paper. They share this poster with their classmates in a hosted Gallery Walk.