administration student task rubric student work technical quality
 
Keep It Hot
Examples of Student Work
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.


Previous Student Work | Next Student Work

 


©1997-2005 SRI International. All rights reserved. Terms of Use