Introduction

The League of Extraordinary Scientists is looking for new members.  A list has been generated of possible members.  It is your privilege to nominate one distinguished scientist from this list to become a member. 
 
 

In order to be a member of the League of Extraordinary Scientists, the person must be accomplished.  The Scientist must distinguish him or herself from others through the contributions he or she has made towards society.  

Your task is to research three scientists from the generated list so that you may nominate one of these scientists to the League.  Using the online resources available, gather information about your three chosen scientists.  

After you have successfully researched three scientists, choose one to nominate. You need to write one letter of nomination.  The letter should state clearly your reasons for nominating the scientist.  It should be detailed and examples should be cited.  The letter must be created in the proper letter format, typed and signed.  In addition, you must include a photo of the scientist in the letter.

1.  First, look at the provided list of scientists and choose three to research.  

2.  As you research, you must visit more than one site about each scientist to gather your information.  Record the information about the scientist on the provided Search for an Extraordinary Scientist worksheet.  

3.  When all the information has been gathered, make a final determination of which scientist you believe is worthy of becoming a member of the League of Extraordinary Scientists.  Make certain you can back up your decision with facts from your research.

4.  Write a letter of nomination stating the reasons why you have chosen to nominate the scientist.  BE SPECIFIC!!  Cite at least three reasons and be sure to include evidence for each.  Your letter must be neat and professional.  

List of Perspective Nominees:

Jane Goodall

• factmoster
• west conn
• JG institute

Lydia Villa-Kormanoff

• women in technology international
• whitehead institute

• factmonster
• women in science
• women's international center

• nasa
• quest
• super scientists

• chemical heritage foundation
• what you need to know about
• achievement
• invent

• windows
• institute
• nobel e-museum
• pauling exhibit

May Edward Chinn

• women in science
• african american registry
• home to harlem
• nyu

Roger Arliner Young

• women in science
• factmonster
• princeton
• info please
• african americans in science

• canadian science
• national library of canada
• nature.ca
• mcmaster

Tak Wah Mak

• canadian science
• science watch
• affinium pharmaceuticals
• citzine

Chien-Shiung Wu

• factmonster
• physics
• liquid leaf
• women hall of fame

Stephen Hawking

• windows
• children's museum
• biography

• access excellence
• nobel e-museum
• jewish virtual library
• the scientist

Ellen Ochoa

• nasa:jsc
• smithsonian
• atomic museum

Percy Julian

• pbs
• oak park
• black inventors

Women Scientists

Asian-Pacific American Scientists

African-American Scientists

Hispanic American Scientists

Describe to the learners how their performance will be evaluated. Specify whether there will be a common grade for group work vs. individual grades.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Worksheet 1	All 6 questions are answered.  The answers to 1 - 2 questions are clear, complete and correct.  1 websites is used.	All 6 questions are answered. The answers to  3 questions are clear, complete and correct.  2 websites are used.	All 6 questions are answered. Asnwers to 4 - 5 questions are clear, complete and correct.  2 websites are used and documented correctly.	The answers to all 6 questions are clear, complete and correct.  2-3 websites are used and documented correctly.
Worksheet 2	All 6 questions are answered.  The answers to 1 - 2 questions are clear, complete and correct.  1 websites is used.	All 6 questions are answered. The answers to  3 questions are clear, complete and correct.  2 websites are used.	All 6 questions are answered. Asnwers to 4 - 5 questions are clear, complete and correct.  2 websites are used and documented correctly..	The answers to all 6 questions are clear, complete and correct.  2-3 websites are used and documented correctly.
Worksheet 3	All 6 questions are answered.  The answers to 1 - 2 questions are clear, complete and correct.  1 websites is used.	All 6 questions are answered. The answers to  3 questions are clear, complete and correct.  2 websites are used.	All 6 questions are answered. Asnwers to 4 - 5 questions are clear, complete and correct.  2 websites are used and documented correctly.	The answers to all 6 questions are clear, complete and correct.  2-3 websites are used and documented correctly.
Letter of Nomination - Content	Letter identifies at least 1 reason for nominating the scientist for extraordinary status and supports reason with evidence from research.	Letter identifies 2 or 3 reasons for nominating the scientist for extraordinary status and supports 2 or 3 reasons with evidence from research.	Letter identifies 4 reasons for nominating the scientist for extraordinary status and supports 2 or  3 reasons with evidence from research.	Letter identifies 4 reasons for nominating the scientist for extraordinary status and supports all 4 reasons with evidence from research.
Letter of Nomination - Mechanics	Letter is neat.  Contains more than 5 grammatical or spelling errors.	Letter is neat.  Contains 3 - 5 grammatical or spelling errors.	Letter is neat.  Contains 1 - 2 grammatical or spelling errors.	Letter is neat.  Contains no  grammatical or spelling errors.

In this activity you have been encouraged to research and compare the characteristics of scientists.  As a result, you are now able to identify qualities of successful scientists.  You possess some of these same qualities.  It is up to you to decide how you will use them. 

Are you worthy of joining the League of Extraordinary Scientists?

Thank you to Linda Schaye and Mary Werlin for their guidance and expertise. They are truly extraordinary people.