SCH 4U
Natural versus Synthetic
Inside the classroom organic is clearly defined as a branch of chemistry dealing with carbon compounds.
However, outside the chemistry classroom, organic is synonymous with natural. “Natural” and “Organic”
are terms used interchangeably more and more frequently to describe food and other consumer goods.
This is a misnomer, as the argument is really “natural” versus “synthetic” as the compounds described
are actually all organic compounds.
Modelling Organic Molecules
You may work in groups of up to three students to complete this assignment.
Your task is to choose an organic compound that is available in both synthetic and natural forms. Your
teacher must approve your choice.
My organic compound is ________________________________________.
Part I: Modelling your molecule.
You will be required to build an accurate, three-dimensional model for a solid substance. Your model
may be made out of any materials that you choose. A good model should also be a useful “teaching”
tool, meaning that the model should be as accurate as possible to its true form. There will also be some
credit awarded for overall effort, creativity and originality put forth in the creation of your model.
The requirements of your model are as follows:
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The model must be able to fit in a shoe box.
The model may be made with any materials, however must include a brief legend outlining
what each object represents. (e.g. “ the red jube-jubes represents the oxygen atoms, etc.)
The model will depict correct 3-dimensional orientation of all atoms.
Category: Application
Part II: Getting to know your molecule.
Do some research about the organic molecule you have chosen. You will decide on a claim to make
about the veracity of one of the following statements;
“Natural sources perform better than synthetic sources”
“Synthetic sources perform better than natural sources”
“There is no difference in the performance of either natural or synthetic sources”
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Describe why your organic molecule is significant (ie. What do we use it for?)
Describe where your organic molecule can be found naturally. (natural sources)
Describe how your organic molecule is commercially synthesized. (synthetic sources)
Provide some statistics to support your argument
Provide expert testimony to support your argument
Provide scientific reasoning to support your argument
You will make your argument by producing an info graphic to be posted on the Science Bulletin Board
and submitting the Constructing Support page. All information must be properly referenced and must
include at least one EBSCO Host article.
Category: Communication, Thinking
To access EBSCOHost from home:
Go to
http://www.hdsb.ca
Select Student resources
Select Secondary Internet Tools
Select online databases
Select “Launch page to EBSCOHOST databases”
Next you should enter your 14 digit student card number. It will be on the bottom right hand side
of your card.
If this still does not work, see Library staff for help.
SCH 4U
Constructing Support – Gather, Organize and Record
All points must acknowledge sources, using the APA form of documentation. For help on how to use
APA style referencing, go to the following site: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/.
Organize your research in the chart below (remember to reference). This will help construct support for
your claim in the infographic.
Type of Support
Facts
Statistics
Expert Testimony
Examples
Experience
Scientific Reasoning
Natural
Synthetic
Pro:
Pro:
Con:
Con:
Pro:
Pro:
Con:
Con:
Pro:
Pro:
Con:
Con:
Pro:
Pro:
Con:
Con:
Pro:
Pro:
Con:
Con:
Pro:
Pro:
Con:
Con:
Type of Support
Explanation
Example
Facts
True statements that
cannot be refuted
Facts are useful in supporting an
argument because they offer
specific evidence on a topic that
cannot be argued. However, too
many facts make an essay boring
and impersonal.
Statistics lend support to
arguments, but they are not proof
on their own because they can be
interpreted in different ways.
Although statistics catch a
reader’s attention, too many of
them can make an essay dry.
Expert testimony is used to clarify
and support a technical or difficultto-understand point. Expert
testimony should provide support
based only on the expertise of the
individual. Personal values should
not affect his or her testimony.
Examples do not prove a point,
but they do suggest reasons why
a point is valid. Examples provide
real-life applications of the ideas in
an analysis. Examples must be
chosen carefully to ensure that
they do not bog the essay down
and lead the reader off track.
Experience can be a powerful tool
of persuasion because it provides
a real-life situation with which the
reader can identify.
The earth is the third planet from
the sun.
Scientific reasoning is compelling
because scientific knowledge is
verifiable. If the reasoning cannot
be understood because of its
complexity, then it will be less
effective in supporting an opinion.
The use of energy-efficient light
bulbs will reduce carbon dioxide
emissions.
Statistics
Percentages and numbers
generated through the
compiling of data
Expert Testimony
Statements and
information given by and
expert on the topic.
Examples
Specific instances or
evidence
Experience
Personal interaction with
the topic being discussed
Scientific Reasoning
Cause-effect reasoning
based on known scientific
concepts, principles, and
theories.
One out of every four Canadian
homes has a personal computer.
Forensic experts agreed that the
fire was not an accident.
The Exxon Valdez oil spill proves
that standards of oil transportation
must be raised.
Having been in a car accident, I
know from my own experience
that seatbelts can save lives.
An example of a good infographic is;