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 = 0
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 |
(0) |
The response incorrectly states that the group's statement
is clear. The explanation shows no understanding of why the
statement of the problem might be unclear. |
Experimentation Question 2 : Event Score = 0
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 |
(0) |
This response shows no understanding of why the group's
conclusion should be considered invalid. There is no explanation
for why "the black paper is almost the same." |
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 = 0
3. What valid conclusions can you draw from these results?
Explain your answer.
| Component |
Score |
Commentary |
| Question 3 |
(0) |
This response addresses the question in a very limited way.
The conclusion that the student draws is unclear and there
is no discussion of its validity. |
Experimentation Question 4 : Event Score = 0
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 |
(0) |
The response addresses the question in a very limited way.
There is no discussion of the information provided and no
recognition that other information is needed if the experiment
is to be replicated. |
|
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