Name: Date: Period:

Current Events in Earth/Space Science

Choose a current article that is connected to the curriculum topic that we are learning in class from a newspaper, magazine, or the Internet (up to one year old). Highlight important information directly on the article. Answer each section below in complete sentences. All article write-ups must be typed or hand written neatly. Format: 12 pt.- size font, times new roman or Arial font. Attach the original article or printout of the article to the back of this assignment. Each of your current events section needs to be completed and turned in on the day they are due. If you current event is one day late, the highest grade you can get is a 50, after the second day it will be a zero.

ARTICLE CITATION: Name of article, publication, author, publication date

PREDICT: Predict what the article will be about before reading it.

What is the general area of Science/topic related to this article?

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE What did you already know about this general area of Science/topic?

WHO was in involved and/or who will it affect?

WHAT has been done or discovered or HOW was it done or how will it be done?

WHEN did it take place or when will it happen?

Name: Date: Period:

WHERE did it take place?

QUOTE: Select a quote from the article that best states what is important to know about this news.

SUMMARIZE: In your own words, use complete sentences to give the main idea of your article. 1)

2)

3)

4)

DETERMINE: Choose 2 unfamiliar words from the article. Write the word, part of speech, and the definition of the word as it is used in the article. The words must be circled in your article.

1. _________________________ 2. _________________________

CONNECTION: Why is this news important? How is this information useful? Who is likely to feel the impact of this news? What difference does it make?) Why did you choose this article? Why was there a need for this research? Does this article directly affect you? Explain how.

Name: Date: Period:

CRITIQUE: What is your personal reaction to this news? Describe your reaction to this article (Pros and Cons). How does the new information change your understanding of this topic? Discuss the facts and opinions of those that are for or against the topic.

Name: Date: Period:

Earth and Space Science Current Events Rubric

Points
Citation and Organization

1
More than 6 items are missing.

2
4-6 of the items to the right are missing.

3
1-3 of the items to the right are missing.

4
Copy of article attached, name of article, author, publication and date provided, Article is no older than one (1) year old; 2 vocabulary words with definitions and parts of speech. Summary is written in your own words; all 4 elements are noted and is concise and complete; all major details or points are present and in a logical order. Reaction clearly shows critical analysis of article; writers position clearly stated and has made ideas of writing his/her own; connects to several areas of science and provides detailed explanation

Points Earned

Summary

Summary does not present main idea; many details are missing. There is little sense that the writing is organized

Summary attempted; at least 2 elements are noted with some details present, but not in a logical order, and this distracts the reader. Reaction to article provides some evidence of thought. Reader is unsure how the writer feels about topic and that ideas of writing belong to someone else; connects to one area of science but doesnt include explanation Your opinion about the content of the article is expressed in at least 2 sentences. No Examples were used

Summary is written in your own words; at least 3 elements are noted with most details present, logical order and accurate. Reaction to article shows thought and provides an idea of writers position on the issue. Writer draws on some knowledge or experience, but it adds nothing to the topic; connects to at least one area of science and provides explanation Your opinion about the content of the article is somewhat expressed in at least 3 sentences. No Examples were used Written work contains three or less errors and/or omissions; Complete sentence structure

Connections to Science and Society

Reaction to article very vague and lacks obvious critical thought; no written ideas presented; no connection to areas of science

Critique

Your opinion about the content of the article is vaguely expressed. No Examples were used.

CUPS Capitalization, usage, punctuation, spelling Scoring & Extra Credit

Written work contains seven or more and/or omissions; Reader is distracted from the meaning of the writing

Written work contains four to six errors and/or omissions; some incomplete sentence structure

Your opinion about the content of the article is clearly expressed in at least 4 sentences. Examples from the article are used to support your opinion. Written work contains no errors and/or omissions; Complex and complete sentence structure

This grade sheet is attached (deduct 3 points if not attached) Assignment is typed (2 extra points) Article is about a topic in science that has been discussed so far this school year (2 extra points)

Teacher Comments: