Nature vs Nurture
Essential Questions:
What makes you who you are?
How much of behavior is based on nature vs nurture?
Should the courts consider genetics before judging or responding to somebody?
How much emphasis should we place on genetics when evaluating other's actions, or
responding to them?
April 28, 2014
Aim #1: How can we identify the key parts of an argumentative essay and demonstrate our ability to write counterclaim paragraph?
Do now #1: Review the vocabulary for an argumentative essay at:
http://quizlet.com/41639662/flashcards
Making Meaning Activity #1a
After reviewing the words complete the following tasks on quizlet.com in the following order:
Do now #1: Review the vocabulary for an argumentative essay at:
http://quizlet.com/41639662/flashcards
Making Meaning Activity #1a
After reviewing the words complete the following tasks on quizlet.com in the following order:
- Scatter
- Learn
- Race
- Test
Meaningful Engagement Activity #1b: Directions-
Underline the counterclaim in the following argumentative essay:
Is it an effective counter claim? Why or why not?
High School Should Not Participate
Our High School should not participate in the national “Shut Down Your Screen Week.” Technology can be beneficial, especially to students. A vast majority of students finds it helpful to have access to technology. Technology makes quicker, more efficient work. Without the advancements of technology, we are no farther along than school children in the 1960’s.
The internet and social media, such as Facebook, improve the social lives of those who use it. In the article Information, Communication and Society, a survey found that whether the participants were married or single, people who used social media had more close friends. An average American who uses social media is half as likely to be socially isolated. They also know more diverse people. Also, users of social media never lose ties because of relocating, because you can always keep your friends on social media.
Internet search engines allow us better access to information. In my experience, information is far more accessible and quick than searching through books. That allows for time to complete other class assignments. According to Peter Norvig, director of research for Google, Inc., in an article for the New York Times, “The internet contains the world’s best writing, images, and ideas; Google lets us find the relevant pieces instantly.” Some argue that ads and irrelevant sites may be distracting, but more find that the benefits are worth it. Eighty-one percent of experts polled by the Pew Internet Research Project support this opinion.
The internet also makes a good learning tool. In an article by Matt Richtel for the New York Times, he proves that it helps our brains. “Imaging studies show the brains of Internet users become more efficient at finding information.” Basically, the more we use online resources to learn, the better our brains become at learning. Also, in the same article, it says, “Internet users showed greater brain activity than non-users…” The internet even develops our brain to think more! Technology is improving our brains.
I have heard it argued that children “rot” their brains with video game systems. In the previously mentioned article by Matt Richtel, he says, “At the University of Rochester, researchers found that players of some fast-paced video games can track the movement of a third more objects on a screen than nonplayers…games can improve reaction time and the ability to pick out details amid clutter.” It seems that the more people play fast-paced video games, the more efficient they become at finding important details. These games may not be so “brain rotting “ after all. They could even be argued as beneficial.
Some also argue that because of new technologies, people limit how much they associate together, even in the same area. Social media disproves this argument. Not only can people associate easily with friends, they can also chat with relatives. They can also show relatives photos, even if they are states away. People who use social media are more likely to know more diverse people, according to the article by Keith Hampton. People still associate with people just as much as before, if not more. They are merely doing it in a different manner than before social media was in use.
Cyber bullying has now become an issue. I would like to bring to attention that all bullying is a big issue. I do not think that technology has caused bullying. It has just allowed for a new way to bully someone. I have never been cyber-bullied. I personally was bullied in a face-to-face manner. A bully will take any chance to bully a target. Social media has not caused bullying.
Like most tools, technology is useful if used correctly. Work quality on a computer can be better, because people have more time to check over their work and improve it. Unfortunately, some people are lazy, and use that extra time they could use for editing for other things. That is not a problem with the tools, it is a problem with the people. People who use such technology correctly and efficiently should still have access. If our screens are shut down, there is no access. We should not participate in “Shut Down Your Screen Week.”
Underline the counterclaim in the following argumentative essay:
Is it an effective counter claim? Why or why not?
High School Should Not Participate
Our High School should not participate in the national “Shut Down Your Screen Week.” Technology can be beneficial, especially to students. A vast majority of students finds it helpful to have access to technology. Technology makes quicker, more efficient work. Without the advancements of technology, we are no farther along than school children in the 1960’s.
The internet and social media, such as Facebook, improve the social lives of those who use it. In the article Information, Communication and Society, a survey found that whether the participants were married or single, people who used social media had more close friends. An average American who uses social media is half as likely to be socially isolated. They also know more diverse people. Also, users of social media never lose ties because of relocating, because you can always keep your friends on social media.
Internet search engines allow us better access to information. In my experience, information is far more accessible and quick than searching through books. That allows for time to complete other class assignments. According to Peter Norvig, director of research for Google, Inc., in an article for the New York Times, “The internet contains the world’s best writing, images, and ideas; Google lets us find the relevant pieces instantly.” Some argue that ads and irrelevant sites may be distracting, but more find that the benefits are worth it. Eighty-one percent of experts polled by the Pew Internet Research Project support this opinion.
The internet also makes a good learning tool. In an article by Matt Richtel for the New York Times, he proves that it helps our brains. “Imaging studies show the brains of Internet users become more efficient at finding information.” Basically, the more we use online resources to learn, the better our brains become at learning. Also, in the same article, it says, “Internet users showed greater brain activity than non-users…” The internet even develops our brain to think more! Technology is improving our brains.
I have heard it argued that children “rot” their brains with video game systems. In the previously mentioned article by Matt Richtel, he says, “At the University of Rochester, researchers found that players of some fast-paced video games can track the movement of a third more objects on a screen than nonplayers…games can improve reaction time and the ability to pick out details amid clutter.” It seems that the more people play fast-paced video games, the more efficient they become at finding important details. These games may not be so “brain rotting “ after all. They could even be argued as beneficial.
Some also argue that because of new technologies, people limit how much they associate together, even in the same area. Social media disproves this argument. Not only can people associate easily with friends, they can also chat with relatives. They can also show relatives photos, even if they are states away. People who use social media are more likely to know more diverse people, according to the article by Keith Hampton. People still associate with people just as much as before, if not more. They are merely doing it in a different manner than before social media was in use.
Cyber bullying has now become an issue. I would like to bring to attention that all bullying is a big issue. I do not think that technology has caused bullying. It has just allowed for a new way to bully someone. I have never been cyber-bullied. I personally was bullied in a face-to-face manner. A bully will take any chance to bully a target. Social media has not caused bullying.
Like most tools, technology is useful if used correctly. Work quality on a computer can be better, because people have more time to check over their work and improve it. Unfortunately, some people are lazy, and use that extra time they could use for editing for other things. That is not a problem with the tools, it is a problem with the people. People who use such technology correctly and efficiently should still have access. If our screens are shut down, there is no access. We should not participate in “Shut Down Your Screen Week.”
Exit Ticket #1:
Create your own counter claim paragraph using the information found at ProCon.org
for one of the topics below
Create your own counter claim paragraph using the information found at ProCon.org
for one of the topics below
- Is the Use of Standardized Tests Improving Education in America? at http://standardizedtests.procon.org/
- Affirmative Action at http://aclu.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=00069
- Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society? at http://socialnetworking.procon.org/
April 29, 2014
Aim #2: How do we use Cornell notes to learn about the nature vs nurture debate and why it is important?
Do now #2: Complete the following poll questions about the nature vs nurture debate:
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Meaningful Engagement Activity # 2: Read any one of the following articles about the nature vs nurture debate.
Use this link to download a copy of the Cornell Notes template below. Use it to take notes from the article you chose.
http://www.uteed.net/jom/c16.pdf
After taking notes on the article discuss the following question with a partner who read a different article:
Why do you think nature versus nurture is debated? Do you think it is possible to answer this question definitively? Why or why not?
Exit Ticket #2: Complete the following statements
- http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/14/how-parenting-matters/?_php=true&_&_r=0
- http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2014/03/05/how-much-is-behavior-based-on-nature-versus-nurture/
- http://metro.co.uk/2014/03/03/what-gives-us-our-personality-nature-takes-on-nurture-4342057/http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=144583977
- (If you have headphones you may listen to the interview called "Twins Data Reshaping Nature Versus Nurture Debate" here: http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.htmlaction=1&t=1&islist=false&id=144583977&m=144583970)
Use this link to download a copy of the Cornell Notes template below. Use it to take notes from the article you chose.
http://www.uteed.net/jom/c16.pdf
After taking notes on the article discuss the following question with a partner who read a different article:
Why do you think nature versus nurture is debated? Do you think it is possible to answer this question definitively? Why or why not?
Exit Ticket #2: Complete the following statements
- The nature vs nurture debate is...
- According to my article it is important because...
- According to my partner's article it is important because...
- Three main points discussed in the articles are...
April 30th, 2014
Aim: What effect might a resolution to the nature vs nurture debate have on our society?
Do now: Answer the following questions about one of the cartoons below:
- What’s going on in this cartoon?
- What do you see that makes you say that?
- What more can you find?
Meaningful Engagement Activity # 3: Read any one of the following documents about the nature vs nurture debate.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-beast-within/201305/nature-vs-nurture
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/criminal-minds.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/04/science/to-study-aggression-a-fight-club-for-flies.html?_r=0
http://www.udel.edu/chem/C465/senior/fall00/GeneticTesting/enviro.htm
http://insight-magazine.org/2011/headline/the-making-and-unmaking-of-a-criminal/
http://insight-magazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/our-brains.jpg
Discussion Questions: After reading the document work with a partner who has read the same article to answer the following questions-
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-beast-within/201305/nature-vs-nurture
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/criminal-minds.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/04/science/to-study-aggression-a-fight-club-for-flies.html?_r=0
http://www.udel.edu/chem/C465/senior/fall00/GeneticTesting/enviro.htm
http://insight-magazine.org/2011/headline/the-making-and-unmaking-of-a-criminal/
http://insight-magazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/our-brains.jpg
Discussion Questions: After reading the document work with a partner who has read the same article to answer the following questions-
- What is the author's claim?
- How are the findings summarized?
- What do you think the data says about nature versus nurture?
- What conclusions about nature versus nurture emerge from the document?
- Do you think the article is conclusive? Why or why not?
- Based on the evidence do you think personality traits are primarily inherited or influenced by environment? Cite your evidence?
- Who might be most interested in resolving the nature versus nurture debate? What effect might a resolution have on our society?
- Based on what you have learned, do you think it is possible to change your personality? Why or why not? If so, how would you go about making changes?
- How does this knowledge add to the information from yesterday's articles? How does it detract?
- What new questions about the topic do you have because of this document?
Exit Ticket: How can our society apply the knowledge gleaned (obtained) from research on the nature vs nurture debate to real life applications?
May 1, 2014
Aim: How can we use a graphic organizer to plan an effective argumentative essay on the nature vs nurture debate?
Do now: Choose your topic for the argumentative essay
Putting It All Together
WRITING FROM SOURCES
Directions: Closely read each of the three texts studied this week and write an evidence-based argument on the topic below. You may use the margins to take notes as you read and the next page to plan your response. Write your response in the space provided.
Topic: Choose one
Your Task: Carefully review each of the three texts analyzed this week. Then, using evidence from each
of the texts and one of the graphic organizers provided, plan a well-developed argument regarding one of the topic questions above. Clearly establish your claim, distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims, identify the counterclaims and refute them, and use specific and relevant evidence from all three of the texts to develop your argument. Do not simply summarize each text.
Guidelines:
Be sure to:
Graphic Organizer for the Argumentative Essay:
http://images.epals.com/elections/Argument%20writing%20graphic%20organizer%20for%20grades%207-8.pdf
or
download the following Hochman Quick Outline:
Do now: Choose your topic for the argumentative essay
Putting It All Together
WRITING FROM SOURCES
Directions: Closely read each of the three texts studied this week and write an evidence-based argument on the topic below. You may use the margins to take notes as you read and the next page to plan your response. Write your response in the space provided.
Topic: Choose one
- How much of behavior is based on nature vs nurture?
- Should the courts consider genetics before judging or responding to somebody?
- How much emphasis should we place on genetics when evaluating other's actions, or responding to them?
Your Task: Carefully review each of the three texts analyzed this week. Then, using evidence from each
of the texts and one of the graphic organizers provided, plan a well-developed argument regarding one of the topic questions above. Clearly establish your claim, distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims, identify the counterclaims and refute them, and use specific and relevant evidence from all three of the texts to develop your argument. Do not simply summarize each text.
Guidelines:
Be sure to:
- Establish your claim regarding the nature vs nurture debate
- Distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims
- Identify the counterclaims and refute them
- Use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from all three of the texts on the nature vs nurture debate to develop your argument
- Identify the source that you reference by text number and line number(s) (i.e.: Text 1, line 4)
- Organize your ideas in a cohesive and coherent manner
- Maintain a formal style of writing
- Follow the conventions of standard written English
Graphic Organizer for the Argumentative Essay:
http://images.epals.com/elections/Argument%20writing%20graphic%20organizer%20for%20grades%207-8.pdf
or
download the following Hochman Quick Outline:
Hochman Quick Outline.pdf | |
File Size: | 143 kb |
File Type: |
May 2, 2014
Aim: What effect might a resolution to the nature vs nurture debate have on our society?
Do now: Using one of the graphic organizers from yesterday complete the outline from yesterday.
Extra-credit: Write the actual essay. It will be graded based on the following rubric:
Do now: Using one of the graphic organizers from yesterday complete the outline from yesterday.
Extra-credit: Write the actual essay. It will be graded based on the following rubric:
Argumentative Essay rubric | |
File Size: | 533 kb |
File Type: |