Grade 10 MYP Sciences Assessment Task
Unit
Environmental Chemistry
Global Context
Globalization and Sustainability
Statement of inquiry
Chemical reactions and numbers can be used to
understand the environment and the human impact upon it.
Assessment notice:
Assessment due:
Thursday June 9
Wednesday June 22
Assessment criterion:
Assessment task type:
D – Reflecting on the impacts of science
Analytical research essay OR Poster
The assessment:

is to be a minmum of 500 and a maximum of 1200 words

should include chemical names, reactions and formulas

the essay needs to be submitted in print and to be presented in the MLA format. Please see
student planner for more details

the poster should be easy to read and well-presented

should contain acknowledgement of any sources used and presented in the MLA format. Please
see student planner for more details

essays should be emailed as a Microsoft word file or an Adobe Acrobat pdf file to
nicholas.pinkerton@tamagawa.ed.jp before the lesson

students who do not submit a task on the due date will have 1 hour in study hall to hand write
and essay.
Criterion D: Reflecting on the impacts of science
Maximum: 8
Students will be assessed on how well they:
i.
explain the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue
ii.
discuss and evaluate the various implications of using science and its application to solve a specific
problem or issue
iii. apply scientific language effectively
iv. document the work of others and sources of information used.
Level
0
Level Descriptor
The student does not reach a standard identified by any of the descriptors below.
The student is able to:
1-2
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.
apply scientific language to communicate understanding but does so with limited success
iv.
document sources, with limited success.
The student is able to:
3-4
i.
summarize the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue
ii.
describe the implications of using science and its application 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:
5-6
i.
describe the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue
ii.
discuss the implications of using science and its application 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:
7-8
Page 2 of 8
i.
explain the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue
ii.
discuss and evaluate 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.
Criterion D: Reflecting on the impacts of science
0
1-2
(MYP 5) Achievement Level Rubric
3-4
5-6
7-8
outline the ways in
which science is used
to address a specific
problem or issue
summarize the ways
in which science is
applied and used to
address a specific
problem or issue
describe the ways in
which science is
applied and used to
address a specific
problem or issue
explain the ways in
which science is
applied and used to
address a specific
problem or issue
outline the
implications of using
science to solve a
describe the
implications of using
science and its
discuss the
implications of using
science and its
discuss and evaluate
the implications of
using science and its
The student does not reach a standard identified by any of the descriptors
Strand 4
Strand 3
Strand 2
Strand 1
The student is able to:
specific problem or
application to solve a application to solve a application to solve a
issue, interacting with specific problem or
specific problem or
specific problem or
a factor
issue, interacting with issue, interacting with issue, interacting with
apply scientific
language to
communicate
understanding but
does so with limited
a factor
a factor
a factor
sometimes apply
scientific language to
communicate
understanding
usually apply
scientific language to
communicate
understanding clearly
and precisely
consistently apply
scientific language to
communicate
understanding clearly
and precisely
success
document sources,
with limited success
sometimes document usually document
sources correctly
sources correctly
Assessment Feedback: Please refer to the rubrics to self-assess
Criterion D
Level I think I got:
Reason:
Reflecting on the
impacts of science
Teacher assessment:
Criterion D
Reflecting on the
impacts of science
Page 3 of 8
Level you achieved: Reason:
document sources
completely
How you did well

You used scientific words.

You explained the science in detail

You discussed and evaluated the strengths and
How you can improve

You can use scientific words

You can explain the science in detail

You can discuss and evaluate the strengths and
weaknesses of the science being used to solve the
weaknesses of the science being used to solve the
problem with one factor

Your writing was easy to understand

You presented your sources corrrectly.
Your ATL target for next Criterion D assessment is:
Thinking / Communication
Social / Self - management
Research
Teacher: How can this be done?
Key question
Your answer
Key question
Your answer
Page 4 of 8
problem with one factor

You can improve your writing to make it easier to
understand

You can present your sources corrrectly.
I plan to achieve this target for the next assessment by:

Using time better to research.

Learning the meaning of key words.

Checking my work for mistakes.

Reading instructions more carefully.
Student: Any extra ideas?
Task Explanation:
 In a Criterion D task it is important to find a problem that science is trying to solve. I have given you 6
topics below to begin your research. Please choose a problem and a solution that relates to one of the
topics. I have provided an example for each topic. You can choose one of these or create your own.
Topics
Example questions
Fresh water pollution
How effective is science in solving eutrophication?
Marine pollution
How effective is science in reducing the risks of oil spills and reducing their
impact after the spills?
Air pollution
How effective is the technology that can reduce sulfur pollution?
Dealing with urban waste
How effective are the technologies being used to handle urban waste?
Chemicals in food
How effective is science in producing food that can last a long time?
Chemicals in medicine
How effective are anitbiotics?
 You must be able to research, analyse and evaluate how well the science is applied or interacts with at
least one of the following factors; moral, ethical, social, economic, political, cultural and environmental.
(As the area of interaction for this unit is the environment I request that the environment be strongly
considered a topic to be included in your essay).
 As stated on the cover of this assessment task, the minimum number of words is 500. The maximum
number of words is approximately 1,200. This does not include the bibliography.
 Present the essay in MLA format. The following link should assist but a general summary is in size 12
font, 1.5 to double-spaced lines and your name on the first page.
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
 Also include a bibliography with at least half the sources in English. Use at least 6 sources for your
information. Formatting instructions for electronic sources are at the following link:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
 Please pay close attention to the Assessment Criteria and also complete the section that asks for you to
self-assess your work.
Page 5 of 8
GUIDANCE: WRITING A ONE WORLD ESSAY or ARTICLE
OVERVIEW
Essay Focus
At some point near the start of your essay (in first or second paragraph) you need to outline what your
essay is about and what you are going to write about
Eg.

In this essay the advantages and limitations of (the scientific ideas or processes) with regard to
(social/economic/political/environmental/cultural/ethical) factors will be discussed and evaluated.
OR

In this essay it will be argued that
(insert thesis statement here)…………
Introduction:
1st paragraph: outline/briefly describe the problem your application of science is addressing
2nd/paragraph: describe and communicate the scientific ideas or processes which are used to address this
problem
3rd paragraph: explain how well science addresses the problem, benefits and limitation. Eg, How well does
the science solve the problem?
Body: Choose one of these structures to follow
Structure 1
Structure 2
First evaluate all the benefits of 1st (and 2nd)
First evaluate all the (insert first one world factor)
factor/s
benefits and limitations.
Then evaluate all the limitations of 1st (and 2nd)
Then evaluate all the (insert second one world
factor/s.
factor) benefits and limitations.
Word Count should be between 700 to 1200 words in length.
Definitions
State is defined as “to give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.”
Describe is defined as “to give a detailed account”
Explain is defined as “to give a clear account including causes and reasons or mechanisms.”
Discuss is defined as “to give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments for and against,
the relative importance of various factors and comparisons of alternative hypotheses.”
Evaluate: is defined as “to assess the implications and limitations”; making an informed judgement or
assessment
For Level 7-8, you should be looking to Explain. Discuss and Evaluate
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Conclusion:

Very briefly summarise the main ideas of the essay and the main issue.

End with a recommendation/evaluation based on your argument.
YOUR THESIS STATEMENT
What is the point of your essay? How do you think this application of science addresses the problem in
relation to one world factors? Your essay must have a focus or it will just be a succession of facts and
information. After researching (and reviewing) the benefits and limitations, choose a position on the
following spectrum.
1. Worst
2. Bad, not too
3. On the fence
bad.
4. Good, not
5. Best possible
completely good.
(The scientific ideas Although there are
The advantages
Although the
There are only
or processes) offer
some advantages
and limitations of
(scientific idea or
advantages to the
no advantages to
of (the scientific
(the scientific ideas
processes) have
(scientific ideas or
the world at all.
ideas of processes), or processes) are
some limitations,
processes) no
There are only
the limitations are
there are more
limitations or
drawbacks.
more significant
significant
drawbacks.
than the
advantages.
equally balanced.
advantages.
NB: It is very difficult to get a 5 or 6 grade if you choose thesis statement 1 or 5.
Also, stating that everything has positive and negatives so we have to accept it, is not a fair conclusion. You
have looked at the evidence (benefits and limitations), give your informed judgement/evaluation on the
issue.
REFERENCING
Reference Government/ UN/Non government organization (NGO’s) reports and newspaper articles and
scientific journal for key statistics, tables, graphs and diagrams,
Remember to refer to all inserts (diagrams/graphs/tables) in your text. Eg. As Figure 1 illustrates the USA
produced the highest volume (insert number) of carbon dioxide emissions in 2006.
Use of Websites
Try to find the references the website uses eg. Every Wikipedia article has a list of references at the bottom.
Check and use the original reference NOT Wikipedia
MLA format:
Author unknown:
Name of website. (online) Available URL (date of access)
Author known:
Last name, first name. Title of Site. (online). Available URL (date of access).
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GUIDANCE FOR WRITING ABOUT FACTORS
Think about these definitions/questions when you evaluate the benefits and limitations of this application of science
in regards to one world factors.
ECONOMIC is defined as “pertaining to the production, distribution, and use of income, wealth, and
commodities.” The costs and benefits of using science. Who pays or receives the benefit? Is it worth it? How much
will it cost? Are the potential benefits worth the cost? Who pays for it, private companies, the Government,
consumers? (Obesity will cost governments millions but so does changing people’s eating habits and diet- is it worth
attempting to deal with it?)
SOCIAL is defined as “of or pertaining to the life, welfare, and relations of human beings in a community.”
The people affected or involved, from a few people up to the global community. How will this application of science
affect society, will it affect everyone or a select group? Will it unfairly affect one group of society over another? Will
everyone have access to the science/solution or only the privileged (An oil refinery is a local problem but global
warming is truly global)
ETHICAL is defined as “pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality; pertaining to right
and wrong in conduct.” Is it right or wrong to use science in this way and if we do, how ought we to do it? (Aborting
foetuses is something we have to do in a caring way even if we think it is right or wrong. Who decides whether it is
right or wrong, the Government, religious groups, individuals? There are ways of doing things and often a law to
guide us - animal testing is highly policed).
POLITICAL is defined as “of, pertaining to, or involving the state or its government.” Is the government
involved directly or are powerful groups trying to influence people or the government or the UN etc? Notice how
much diet advice is given in books by non-experts. Why would the Government be for or against this the application
of this science and how would it affect other countries?
ENVIRONMENTAL is defined as “of, relating to, or associated with the environment.” Is the issue an
environmental one in some way, directly or indirectly? (Pollution is direct but what about binge-drinking?)
CULTURAL is defined as “of, relating to, or associated with the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a
particular social, ethnic, or age group.” A problem in one place is seen differently in another for reasons such as faith,
tradition and different belief values. Would people from different cultures be affected the same way or have the
same opinion on the scientific solution. Some religions are against certain medical procedures, from organ
transplants to blood donations. Some cultures rely heavilly upon the natural ecosystem to gain their food and shelter,
others live in a manufactured society and are diconnected from the natural world. Certain religions have rules about
how males and females should interact, or what foods to eat.
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