What is your coursework about?

Your coursework involves writing about an important, current issue in science.

e.g.

Should cannabis be legalised?

Are mobile phones dangerous?

Should human cloning be allowed?

What do you have to do?

You will need to:

a. research to find out what a variety of different people think about the issue, including thoughts of people who are in favour and others who are against it.

b. consider the different views and use your science knowledge to decide what you think.

c. write up a structured report on the issue.

Why your coursework is important?

Your coursework will be marked and contributes

to your final Core GCSE grade.

Argument in favour of ‘X’

but conclusion B is possible...

evidence 3

evidence 4

evidence 5

evidence 1

evidence 2

evaluated and critically compared

My overall conclusion is.. because...

Argument against ‘X’

Source

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Are detailed scientific explanations included?

What’s the quality of the evidence?

How reliable

are they?

The structure of your coursework:

..pictures/diagrams/charts to improve explanations?

Have you used.....

...relevant scientific terminology?

Sources

I have assessed them for their reliability

My references are clear and detailed

I have a wide variety

A big question

I have selected relevant information

The report

References are included within the report

I have presented the issues and conclusions clearly and in an appropriate format

My audience is clear

I have made good use of scientific terminology

It is not too long

My spelling, punctuation and grammar are excellent

I have used pictures, diagrams, charts and tables effectively

Arguments and conclusions

I have provided evidence to support the claim

I have linked evidence to the claim

I have evaluated and critically compared different claims/arguments

I have used persuasive language

I have considered the counter arguments

I have shown awareness that there may be valid alternatives

Example: The Simpsons

Issue: Is Bart a good role model for young people?

Argument 1:Bart is a good role model because....

Argument 2:Bart is not a good role

model because....

Evidence 1:

Looks after Santa's little helper (dog)

Evidence 2:

Helps Milhouse to buy his favourite comic

Evidence 1:

Rings up Bar asking for people with false names

Evidence 2:

Is cheeky to Homer

Evidence 3:

Splits up Milhouse and his girlfriend

Source

Episode 3, 12, 15

Episode 4

Episodes 1, 2, 4, 7

Episode 2,3,4,5

Episode 13

Argument 1:Bart is a good role model because....

Argument 2:Bart is not a good role

model because....

but conclusion B is possible...

evaluated and critically compared

I prefer conclusion A because...

‘Bart can be both good and bad

role models as...’

Issue: Is Bart a good role model for young people?