Contributed by: Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT)
A class of students performed a series of experiments to determine
which of several materials would be most effective for insulating
a paper cup.
One group of lab partners tested four different materials: black paper,
white paper, aluminum foil and cloth. The following table shows their
results.
Insulating
Material |
Temperature of Water in
Cups at Start of Experiment |
Temperature After
5 Minutes |
Temperature After
10 Minutes |
| Black Paper |
70oC |
60oC |
52oC |
| White Paper |
50oC |
45oC |
40oC |
| Aluminum Foil |
85oC |
70oC |
60oC |
| Cloth |
60oC |
54oC |
48oC |
Experimentation Question 1 : Event Score = 2
1. This is the group's statement of the problem: "We wanted
to see which of four materials would be good for wrapping around a
cup." Is this a clear statement of the problem? Explain why or why
not.
| Component |
Score |
Commentary |
| Question 1 |
(2) |
This response is generally correct and appropriate. It explains
that the group's statement of the problem is not clear, but
it is less elaborated than a score 3 response. |
Experimentation Question 2 : Event Score = 2
2. The students concluded that the white paper was the most
effective insulator because the cup wrapped in white paper showed
the smallest drop in temperature. Is this group's conclusion valid?
Explain why or why not.
| Component |
Score |
Commentary |
| Question 2 |
(2) |
The response correctly states that the conclusions should
not be considered validbut contains limited elaboration. It
explains that the results are only from one trial. It does
not discuss the need for important variables to be controlled
in the experiment and is therefore less complete than the
score 3 responses. |
Another group in the class tried to use various materials and combinations
of materials. The following table shows their results.
Insulating
Material |
Temperature of Water in
Cups at Start of Experiment |
Temperature After
5 Minutes |
Temperature After
10 Minutes |
| 4 thicknesses of Black Paper |
80oC |
74oC |
70oC |
| 4 thicknesses of White Paper |
80oC |
75oC |
71oC |
| 4 thicknesses of Aluminum Foil |
80oC |
72oC |
66oC |
| 4 thicknesses of Cloth |
80oC |
73oC |
67oC |
| 1 thickness each of Black Paper, White Paper,
Aluminum Foil and Cloth |
80oC |
78oC |
76oC |
Experimentation Question 3 : Event Score = 2
3. What valid conclusions can you draw from these results?
Explain your answer.
| Component |
Score |
Commentary |
| Question 3 |
(2) |
This response draws an appropriate conclusion and discusses
the importance of the starting temperatures being controlled.
It is correct but contains less elaboration than the score
3 responses. |
Experimentation Question 4 : Event Score = 2
4. Do you have enough information to replicate this group's
experiment? If you think you do, tell what information you have. If
you think you do not tell what other information you would need.
| Component |
Score |
Commentary |
| Question 4 |
(2) |
This response is generally correct and appropriate. Two
pieces of information are included ("how thick the paper is",
"how big the cup is"). Other missing information is not included
and therefore the response is less complete than the score
3 responses. |
|
|
