3S1+2010

__**Lesson 1** (Mon 22 Mar 0800-0930 h)


 * //Input/ Stimulus//**__

This comprehension exercise is based on an excerpt from the novel 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. Do take note that we will be doing our next Book Circle activity based on this novel in Term 2.


 * kiter[[image:kiterun2.gif width="157" height="220"]]un2.gif ||

You may catch a glimpse of what modern Afghanistan is like from this movie trailer based on the book:

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If you are interested in the historical as well as political context of Afghanistan, tune in to this video:

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For an insight into the book as well as the world of the author, click on to the following links for the summary and reviews of the book:

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 * __//Activity 1 Comprehension Assignment//__**


 * Now, that you have a better understanding of the background of the novel, you can complete the following comprehension exercise:**

[|Compre Ex.doc]

//**You should complete this assignment in 1 hour and submit your work to my iVLE folder 'Compre - The Kite Runner'.**//

__**//Activity 2 Setting Comprehension Questions//**__

Finally, it's time to try setting your own comprehension questions.

You may do this as pair work or individual work.

Please read the following passage and set your own questions based on the suggested categories - factual, inference, vocabulary, own words, etc...

There should be a good mix of direct, thought-provoking and challenging questions. Each individual or paired group should contribute at least 3 questions from different paragraphs in the text.

Have fun...

[|Compre Practice - Setting Qns.doc]


 * //[Please submit your questions to my iVLE folder 'Compre - Setting Questions'. Remember to indicate the question type, the paragraph of reference, the allocated mark for each question as well as your names.]//**

__**Lesson 2** (originally scheduled for Wed 24 Mar 1230-1330 h: **//learning to be done at home since the day has been set aside for Founder's Day activities) See Lesson 3 below...//**__

Review your understanding of Term 1 theme on Science and Technology.

Topics you could consider in your personal review/ reflection include:

- the human genome: genetic engineering, stem cell research, cloning, etc - genetically modified foods: benefits and risks to health, the economy, the environment - technology: artificial intelligence, cryonics, the virtual world, electronic gadgetry - the Internet: information superhighway, freedom of speech, censorship, privacy, etc - the Dark Side: genocide, bio-weapons, nuclear bombs


 * //__Research/ Reading Activity__//**

Select //**one to two**// of the above topics and conduct an Internet search to gather useful and relevant input.

You should complete this activity within the allocated time of 1 hour.

__**Lesson 3** (Tue 23 Mar 1130-1230 h)


 * //Input/ Stimulus//**__

Now that you have got your facts right, it's time to let your imagination soar...

If you have read a science fiction novel or watched a sci-fi movie before, what is //one word or phrase// that you would use to describe it?

'Sightings'? 'Contact'? 'The Last Frontier'? 'The Truth Is Out There'? 'We are not alone'?

Why don't you check out the link below for more ideas?

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So, how many of the top 15 science fiction books have you read (besides the obvious #5 Brave New World)?Now, for the movie buffs amongst us, do check out the following link for the top 25 sci-fi movies:

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It would also be interesting to compare how alien life-forms are depicted in different movies.

From the iconic 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (made in the 1970s) []

To the commercialised 'Starship Troopers' (made in the 1990s) []

//**__Written Assignment__**//

It is now time to try your hand at **__ONE__** of the following written assignments. Do select the one that best fits your ability, interest and inclination. All written work should be completed over the weekend and handed in to your ELT on **Fri //Week 2 Term 2//**.

Write on two to three of the greatest inventions of Man in the 20th or 21st century. You should make use of your research notes from the previous lesson as well as include opinions of your own. Length - 500 to 600 words
 * __Level G(eneral)__**

Based on your research done in the previous lesson, evaluate the impact of science and technolgy on humanity. Besides the benefits, you should also identify the limitations/ constraints as well as the controversies that surround the topic/s of your choice. Length - 500 to 600 words
 * __Level NC(16)__**

To what extent do you think science fiction stories/movies reflect Man's aspirations, fears and/or powers of imagination and creativity? You may include some of your favourite books and/or movies in your discussion. Length - 600 to 800 words
 * __Level M(18)__**

You are given the free rein to pen your own literary creations. Your writing will be judged on originality, ideas expressed, creative use of interesting setting and notably, some aspect of science in your storyline. So, do stretch the limit of your imagination on science and technology. Length - up to 1000 words
 * __Level RA(21) [ACE submission]__**
 * //Those interested in writing a novella (1500-300 words) will be invited to take part in Science Chronicles 2010, a writing competition organised by A*Star. Details available from your ELT.//**