KIS Summary:
- Markers will assess your ability to demonstrate the bidirectional relationship between science and society (how science affects society AND how society affects science), correct formatting (intro with SHE concept, body paragraphs with concept requirements, hard-hitting conclusion), and integration of course-specific scientific terminology throughout.
- Choose topics with abundant credible research (peer-reviewed journals), ensure your introduction clearly states your chosen SHE concept, use proper paragraph headings, and always reference how your topic creates future societal outcomes while maintaining clear writing.
The Science as a Human Endeavour (SHE) assessment requires you to explore interactions between science and society, specifically what researchers are currently doing to strengthen our scientific understanding.
Writing these pieces can seem quite challenging at first, but after reading this guide, you will be able to ace it!
Table Of Contents:
- What Is The SHE Task?
- How To Write The SHE Task?
- What Are Markers Looking For In Your SHE Task?
- Which SHE Task Concept Should You Pick?
- What Should You Write For Each SHE Concept?
- Final Tips To Ace Your SHE Task
- Conclusion On Writing The Best SHE Task
- FAQs About Writing The Best SHE Task
What Is The SHE Task?
The focus of the SHE task is to explore an aspect of contemporary science with a particular emphasis on the interaction between society and Science.
- You will collect information from a variety of contemporary sources relevant to your topic to form conclusions.
- All sources should be credible, for example, a peer-reviewed research investigation or journal article.
- Most SHE tasks are completed in the form of a report.
- In stage 2, this must be a total of 1500 words and contain paragraph headings.
How To Write The SHE Task?
SHE tasks differ from subject to subject, meaning an SHE task in biology will be slightly different to a physics SHE task. Despite this, there are key requirements you must follow in each subject:
- The report must contain an introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph to synthesise your knowledge.
- To start writing your SHE task, you will typically either be given a theme on which you can pick a topic, or be given the topic directly.
Once you have chosen you topic, you should do some research to examine which SHE concept is most relevant to your topic. The four SHE concepts are:
- Communication and Collaboration
- Development
- Influence
- Application and Limitation.
There are specific requirements you must follow for each concept, so make sure you read the subject assessment advice and the SHE guidelines on the SACE website carefully.
What Are Markers Looking For In Your SHE Task?
Check your rubric for each assessment and ensure you are following it closely. For the SHE, you are assessed on:
- How well you communicate the bidirectional relationship between science and society: explain clearly how advancements in science have an effect on society, and how society also affects advancements in science.
- How well you understand the course content: make sure you explain and support your findings with the terminology you have been learning in class throughout the year.
- Correct formatting for the SHE Tak:
- Throughout the SHE task, make sure that you consistently demonstrate the interaction between science and society as well as mention scientific terms.
- Writing must be clear, straight to the point, and has strong fluency.
Which SHE Task Concept Should You pick?
Many topics may be suitable with multiple concepts. You can select more than one concept if you feel strongly about it. However, if you do this, ensure you mention the requirements of all of the chosen concepts, not just a few.
What Should You Write For Each SHE Concept?
Each SHE concept has different requirements, so depending on which one you chose, the content will differ.
- Communication and collaboration primarily requires you to scrutinise how scientists around the world have collaborated to look at a problem.
- Development focuses on how a wide variety of evidence has been used to create new technologies and tools.
- Influence looks at how one field of science may cause ripple effects within another field such as engineering, mathematics, and technology. In this concept, you should also mention the influence of science on economics, society, and ethics.
- Application and limitation investigates how science has benefited society as well as the potential risks of science. Risks include the unexpected outcomes, and how insufficient data may prevent studies from taking place.
Final Tips To Ace Your SHE Task
- Proofread your assignments and edit them. You can get a friend or guardian to check your work so that you can gain other perspectives on your writing.
- Check that you are following the performance standards of the SHE task which are listed on the SACE online website.
- Ensure you mention the concept, and explain how your topic is relevant to the concept.
- Provide evidence from credible sources.
- Clearly demonstrate how science and society interact, and predict any possible future outcomes for society if the topic is implemented in society.
Conclusion On Writing The Best SHE Task
Mastering the SHE task doesn't have to be overwhelming. By understanding the four key concepts, demonstrating the bidirectional relationship between science and society, and following the proper structure, you'll be well on your way to achieving top marks.
Remember to choose a topic with abundant research, use credible sources, and always proofread your work before submission. With the strategies outlined in this guide, you now have everything you need to tackle your SHE assessment with confidence!
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FAQs About Writing The Best SHE Task
1. How to Structure the SHE?
- ~ 1500 words
- Introduction: Background, key terms, and your chosen SHE concept.
- Body Paragraphs: Detailed discussion of the SHE concept(s) with evidence and examples.
- Conclusion: Summarise key points and reflect on the science-society interaction.
- References: Use credible sources and reference them correctly
2. What Formats can the SHE take?
- Most are reports
- Some tasks may be articles, presentations, or expert analyses, depending on your subject and teacher’s instructions.
- Always check the assignment guidelines!
3. Where can I find Examples or extra Guidance?
- SACE Board website for subject-specific advice and exemplars.
- Your teacher or school’s resources.
- Online study guides and tutoring services
