Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Synthetic Medicines vs. Natural Remedies in the Media

Subject Area

English Language Arts
Science

Grade(s)

8

Overview

In this activity, students will research synthetic medicines and their natural counterparts which perform the same functions.  After evaluating the pros and cons of each, students will write a persuasive paragraph expressing their opinions about whether to use synthetic or natural medicines.

This resource was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

    English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 8

    ELA21.8.8

    Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:ELA21.8.8

    Vocabulary

    • Narrative writing
    • Argument writing
    • Informative/explanatory writing
    • Writing development
    • Writing organization
    • Style
    • Tone
    • Task
    • Purpose
    • Audience
    • Command of language

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story.
    • The purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the reader to take action or adopt a particular position.
    • Informative or explanatory text is a piece of writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple research sources.
    • The development, organization, style, and tone of writing will change depending on the writing task, the purpose of the writing, and the intended audience.
    • Formal academic writing should demonstrate an appropriate command of language.

      Skills

      Students are able to:
      • Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writings.
      • Identify the writing task, the purpose of writing, and the intended audience in order to appropriately adapt the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing.
      • Demonstrate command of the written language.

      Understanding

      Students understand that:
      • There are different genres of writing that serve various purposes.
      • The writing task, purpose, and audience should be considered in the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing.
      • Formal academic writing should display their command of the English language.
      Science (2015) Grade(s): 8

      SC15.8.3

      Construct explanations based on evidence from investigations to differentiate among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.

      Unpacked Content

      UP:SC15.8.3

      Vocabulary

      • Molecule
      • Atom
      • Compound
      • Element
      • Mixture
      • Intermingled
      • Component
      • Physical means
      • Properties
      • Solution
      • Homogeneous
      • Solute
      • Solvent
      • Dissolve
      • Analyze
      • Synthetic
      • Natural resources
      • Society

      Knowledge

      Students know:
      • A molecule is formed when two or more atoms join together chemically.
      • A compound is a molecule that contains at least two different elements.
      • All compounds are molecules but not all molecules are compounds.
      • A mixture consists of two or more different elements and/or compounds physically intermingled.
      • A mixture can be separated into its components by physical means, and often retains many of the properties of its components.
      • A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. A solution may exist in any phase.
      • A solution consists of a solute and a solvent. The solute is the substance that is dissolved in the solvent.
      • Synthetic materials are made by humans.
      • Synthetic materials can be derived from natural resources through chemical processes.
      • The effects of the production and use of synthetic materials have impacts on society.

      Skills

      Students are able to:
      • Articulate a statement that relates a given phenomenon to a scientific idea, including the differences among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
      • Identify and use multiple valid and reliable sources of evidence to construct an explanation differentiating among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
      • Use reasoning to connect the evidence and support an explanation of differences among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
      • Identify and describe the phenomenon under investigation, which includes the differences among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
      • Identify and describe the purpose of the investigation, which includes providing evidence of differences among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
      • Collect and record data, according to the given investigation plan.
      • Evaluate the data to determine the differences between compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
      • Obtain information about synthetic materials from published, grade-level appropriate material from multiple sources.
      • Determine and describe whether the gathered information is relevant.
      • Use information to illustrate how synthetic materials are derived from natural resources.
      • Use information to illustrate how synthetic materials impact society.

      Understanding

      Students understand that:
      • Compounds, mixtures, and solutions can be differentiated from one another based on characteristics.
      • Synthetic materials come from natural resources.
      • Synthetic materials have an impact on society.

      Scientific and Engineering Practices

      Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; Analyzing and Interpreting Data; Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

      Crosscutting Concepts

      Patterns

      Phase

      During/Explore/Explain
      Learning Objectives

      Learning Objectives

      1.  Students will be able to evaluate opposing media viewpoints about synthetic/pharmaceutical and natural remedies.

      2.  Students will write a paragraph expressing their opinion about using synthetic or natural medicines.

      Activity Details

      1.  Students will take part in a teacher-facilitated discussion about products they see advertised in as 100% natural in the media or in stores.  They share any experiences they have about prices or effectiveness.

      2.  Students view video clips from Video Clips for Synthetic vs. Natural Medicines.

      3.  Students work in pairs to use digital devices (laptops, tablets, phones) to search for ads about natural medicines and pharmaceutical products.  Pairs share what they found in a class discussion.

      4.  Students write a paragraph to express their personal opinion about the following question:  Should people take synthetic medicines or use natural remedies?  Students should use examples from video clips watched by the class, partner research, or personal experience to support their opinion.

      Assessment Strategies

      Assessment Strategies

      Student paragraphs are evaluated based on the validity of reasoning and written expression.

      Variation Tips

      Student pairs may be assigned to look for pros or cons for natural and synthetic medicine.

      Background and Preparation

      Background / Preparation

      1.  The teacher will need a working internet connection, LCD projector or wall monitor, and speakers.

      2.  Student pairs will need access to digital devices and internet connection.

      Digital Tools / Resources

      ALSDE LOGO