Whether you realize it or not, biology is everywhere—commercials, cartoons, TV shows, and movies. And this is understandable, as life, in its many forms, is beautiful, exciting, and mysterious; in one word—entertaining. However, as always in entertainment we run the risk of watering down the real stuff.
For the next few classes we will be watching The Lion King, The Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and Finding Nemo. Although, the movies are entertaining by themselves, we will take it a step further and use supporting evidence gathered while watching them to respond to the following prompt:
Does Hollywood accurately portray biology in film?
You will work to thoroughly respond to the aforementioned prompt in a 5-paragraph paper (intro, 3 paragraph body, and conclusion). This project will be a test grade, so take it seriously.
Note: I have purposefully only used the word “biology” in order to remain broad. I want each paper to be unique so feel free to discuss ANY topics we’ve discussed in class (ecology, evolution, genetics, DNA processes, etc). Carefully use the following rubric to guide your paper, as I will strictly use this tool to grade your work.
Position Statement
4 - The position statement provides a clear, strong statement of the author's position on the topic.
3 - The position statement provides a clear statement of the author's position on the topic.
2 - A position statement is present, but does not make the author's position clear.
1 - There is no position statement.
Support for Position
4 - Includes 3 or more pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the position statement. The writer anticipates the reader's concerns, biases or arguments and has provided at least 1 counter-argument.
3 - Includes 3 or more pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the position statement.
2 - Includes 2 pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the position statement.
1 - Includes 1 or fewer pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences).
Evidence and Examples
4 - All of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author's position.
3 - Most of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author's position.
2 - At least one of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author's position.
1 - Evidence and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR are not explained.
Accuracy
4 - All supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately.
3 - Almost all supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately.
2 - Most supportive facts and statistics are reported accurately.
1 - Most supportive facts and statistics were inaccurately reported.
Organization
4 - Information is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs.
3 - Information is organized into paragraphs.
2 - Information is organized into paragraphs, but paragraphs are sloppy and confusing.
1 - The information appears to be disorganized.
It is preferred that students type the paper in arial or times new roman 12-point font with double spacing. If the student hand writes the paper they need to make sure that it is legible.
Students are expected to abide by the honor code. Students who plagerize or cheat on the assignment will receive a zero (0) grade and will have no opportunity to redo the assignment.
The paper will be due the last week of school on the date that the class is scheduled to take their final exam. See schedule below:
1st Period - Monday, June 4
2nd Period - Monday, June 4
3rd Period - Wednesday, June 6
4th Period - Tuesday, June 5
5th Period - Tuesday, June 5
7th Period - Friday, June 1
