Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Quarter 2
Performance Task
It is the year 2155 Science now makes it possible to travel back in time to change certain elements in the
past.
The world has been decimated by nuclear wars, brought on by a competition for natural resources such as
coal and oil.
An international tribunal of leaders and scientists has indicted Dmitri Mendeleev for crimes against
humanity.
They believe that all of their problems could have been averted if Mendeleev never published his Periodic
Table in March of 1869. If scientists after Mendeleev never understood the periodicity of elements,
industry would not have developed as it did, polluting the environment and causing global warming, the
atomic bomb would never have been built, etc.
If found guilty, they will send their executioner back in time to kill Mendeleev, to ensure that his
progressive and revolutionary ideas never see the light of day
TASK:
You have been appointed as the lead defense attorney in the trial of Dmitri Mendeleev.
You have to present your case for the defense of Mendeleev to the judge (teacher) and a jury of your peers
(the rest of the class).
Your defense argument should be between 2 and 3 minutes long and could also include visual aids
such as posters/flyers, etc.
Your argument should explain (a) Mendeleevs reasoning for constructing his Periodic Table and
(b) formulating his Periodic Law and (c) stress the positive contributions of this to humanity.
Remember:
(a) The judge could possibly ask you questions on your argument, or ask you to clarify some points.
(b) The jury will vote on whether to acquit or convict Mendeleev based on your argument.
Achievement level
Level descriptor
12
34
56
78
Question
Below 40 %
75-82%
40-54%
55-64%
65-74%
83-89%
90-95%
96-100%