MSHELTONREADS
7TH GRADE
Informational & Argumentative Writing
Students have about a month to do the Informational and Argumentative writing assignments for a given unit. In the Informational piece, I'm looking for research-supported writing that explains the concept covered. Usually graphs or diagrams will help! For the Argumentative piece, this should be the students' opinion on the topic, supported by facts. Usually we will do research or discuss the topics in class, and if you are excellent at time management, you may be able to complete the whole thing in class.
June
7th Grade
Informational Writing
What does sustainability mean, why is it important, what are you doing now, and what else could you do?
Pick an endangered species, research it, and create a multimedia project about it (that means words, pictures, maybe video, graphs, etc.). Include how it relates to Earth’s systems, particularly the anthroposphere.
Argumentative Writing
There are many ways we can reduce our use of Earth’s natural resources. Driving less, using less electricity, eating more sustainable foods, and recycling are just a few of the many examples. What do you think is the most important change we can make? Should this change be an individual decision, or should it be required and enforced by the government?
May
7th Grade
Informational Writing
Write a fictional (realistic) autobiography of a rock. Include what type of rock it is currently (sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic), and several changes it has gone through during its life. Can be a narrative, song, play, or comic.
Argumentative Writing
Answer the following questions, using examples and reasons to support your position. Should dissection be a part of middle school science? Should students be required to participate in dissections? What should Helton do differently for any dissection next year?
April
7th Grade
Informational Writing
Choose one method for determining the age of rocks and thoroughly explain it including diagrams. (Examples: fossils, carbon dating, Law of Superposition, etc.)
Argumentative Writing
The Earth’s surface is always moving. Agree or disagree with the statement “It is easy to tell that Earth’s crust moves.”
February / March
7th Grade
Informational Writing
Explain the electromagnetic spectrum. Include both words and diagrams.
Argumentative Writing
Gravity is only an attractive force (pulls things together). Every other force we know of has both a push and a pull. Should we be comfortable with this idea?
January
7th Grade
Informational Writing
Write a short story, a play, or a comic that involves the motion of two colliding objects.
Argumentative Writing
We should / should not be allowed to create weapons in class to further our understanding of this topic.