Mentari Intercultural School - Jakarta
Middle Years Program
Science Department
Combined Science: Year 2 (Grade 7)
Unit:
Name:
Class:
Who are we
Task: write your opinion piece or make a short video
Statement of Inquiry: Because scientists understand the relationships between genes and inherited
characteristics, we can use genetic patterns as evidence for identification and decision-making.
Key Concept: Relationships
Related Concept: Evidence, Pattern
Global Context: Identities and relationships
IB Learner Profile: Reflective
Relationship of task to the SOI: In order to share their opinion about using DNA evidence to make legal
decisions, students must understand the relationship between genetic patterns and inherited
characteristics. Students describe the ways in which science (i.e. rules and patterns of genetic
inheritance) is used and applied when trying to identify a person in legal cases (strand i); discuss and
analyze the various implications of using the science of genetics in legal cases – for example,
discussing and analysing the cultural, ethical, economic or political factors that might interact with the
application of the science of genetics in legal cases (strand ii); consistently, clearly and precisely apply
scientific language related to genetics and patterns of inheritance (strand iii); and document completely
the work of others and sources of information used (strand iv).
Activity The Invisible cost of mass transportation
TSC
SUMMATIVE assessment
task
Indicators
i summarize the ways in which
science is applied and used to
address a specific problem or
issue
ii describe and summarize the
various implications of using
science and its application in
solving a specific problem or
issue
iii apply scientific language
effectively
Complete – The student has: • described the ways in which science
(i.e. rules and patterns of genetic inheritance) is used and applied
when trying to identify a person in legal cases..
iv document the work of others
and sources of information
used
Achievement
level
0
1-2
Complete – The student has: • discussed and analysed the various
implications of using the science of genetics in legal cases. For
example, the student may discuss and analyse the cultural, religion,
ethical, economic or political factors that might interact with the
application of the science of genetics in legal cases.
Complete – The student
consistently, clearly and precisely applied scientific language related
to genetics and patterns of inheritance.
Complete – The student has: • fully acknowledged all sources used
in their research using the school’s accepted / recommended form
of bibliography • fully cited/referenced text, quotations, diagrams,
images and charts using the school’s accepted form (MLA).
Level descriptor
The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below.
The student is able to, with limited success:
i. state the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue
ii. state the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue,
interacting with a factor
iii. apply scientific language to communicate understanding
iv. document sources.
The student is able to:
i. state the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue
ii. state the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue,
interacting with a factor
iii. sometimes apply scientific language to communicate understanding
iv. sometimes document sources correctly.
The student is able to:
i. outline the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or
issue
ii. outline the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue,
interacting with a factor
iii. usually apply scientific language to communicate understanding clearly
and precisely
iv. usually document sources correctly
The student is able to:
i. summarize the ways in which science is applied and used to address a
specific problem or issue
ii. describe and summarize the implications of using science and its application
to solve a specific problem or issue, interacting with a factor
iii. consistently apply scientific language to communicate understanding
clearly and precisely
iv. document sources completely
3-4
5-6
7-8
Activity: Tracking your traits
ATL
Reflection skills: Consider ethical, cultural and environmental implications



Imagine you are a journalist for newspaper, news show or news channel. Once every week,
one of the journalists in your organization writes an opinion based article related to current
event.
Recently, a court case has begun in which DNA evidence is going to be used against the
suspect.
Because you have been reporting on the trial, your boss has asked you to write the opinion
piece in response to the debatable question:
“to what extent should legal cases depend on identifying people through DNA?”

Even though it is an opinion piece, you must support your opinion with scientific evidence and
reasoning. Therefore, you must be sure to:
1. Describe how science is used and applied when trying to identify a person in legal
cases
2. Discuss and analyse the various implication of using science in legal cases – the
implications should be related to cultural, ethical, religion, economic or political factors
3. Apply scientific language effectively
4. Document the work of others and sources of information used.
Due date Wednesday March 3

You may either write your opinion piece or make a short video. (max 7min)
Remember to use scientific language you have learned clearly and correctly. Document all sources,
using the referencing and citation standard recommended by your English teacher.