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 = 1
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 |
(1) |
This response shows some understanding of the question.
It correctly implies that the group's statement of the problem
is unclear, however, it fails to elaborate on the difference
between an "everyday question" and a "scientific one". The
vagueness of the response prevents it from getting a higher
score. |
Experimentation Question 2 : Event Score = 1
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 |
(1) |
This response contains some elements of a proficient response
by alluding to the fact that variables in the experiment need
to be controlled in order for a valid conclusion to be drawn.
It fails to address the different starting temperatures or
other important variables in the experiment. |
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 = 1
3. What valid conclusions can you draw from these results?
Explain your answer.
| Component |
Score |
Commentary |
| Question 3 |
(1) |
The conclusions drawn in this response show some understanding
of the group's results although the conclusions are vague
and not well supported. There is no discussion of factors
that affect the validity of the conclusions. |
Experimentation Question 4 : Event Score = 1
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 |
(1) |
The response describes two important pieces of information
that are provided for the experiment ("the materials you need",
"what temp to set everything at"). There is no mention of
important information that is missing. |
|
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