Chemistry and Conflict 1 Chemistry and Conflict 2 Chemistry and Conflict 3
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Chemistry and Conflict: Carbon

School: High Tech High School

City/State: San Diego, CA

Grade(s): 10

Format(s): Book

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Science and Technology, Visual Arts

Type(s): Informative/Explanatory

Writing Assignment Description

Tenth grade students at High Tech High in San Diego, California created this book as the final product from a cross-disciplinary project combining chemistry and history. Students worked in pairs and researched the relationship between a chemical element or compound to both a historical and contemporary conflict. After conducting extensive research, the students wrote a research paper. Each paper includes the discovery of the chemical element or compound, chemical properties, the historical conflict, contemporary conflict and a proposed solution.

Students also went through a critique process with a student-run editorial board approving each work before the teacher provided feedback.

 

How This Writing Can Be Useful

  • Illustrates combination of chemistry, history, and fine art
  • Highlights an engaging means to explore history and science topics through the connection of contemporary issues
  • Models quality research to support informative writing with a creative format

Relevant Resources

Project: Chemistry and Conflict
Chemistry and Conflict: Illuminating Standards Video

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
W.9-10.2
  • I can write informative/explanatory texts that convey complex ideas and concepts clearly and accurately, using content that is carefully selected, organized, and analyzed.
W.9-10.4
  • I can produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task, purpose and audience.
W.9-10.5
  • I can use the writing process to focus on what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
W.9-10.6
  • I can use technology to produce, publish, and update writing products that link to information and display information flexibily and dynamically.
W.9-10.7
  • I can synthesize multiple sources on a subject.
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