Grade 9-12 Performance Task
Contributed by: New York State Education Department
(NYSED)
NYS Alternative Assessment in Science Project (1996)
"Sow Bug Habitats" - Scoring Rubric
Maximum score - 24 points
|
Student Setup |
3 points total
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Scoring should be done by teacher observation during the exercise.
3 points - Successfully sets up the petri dish with
the arrangement of wet/dry paper towels, and construction paper
screen.
2 points - For having two factors correct.
1 point - For having one factor correct.
0 points - Incorrect setup; no factors correct.
Answer Sheet - Part A
Question 1. |
3 points total
|
3 points - Predictions relate to both variables.
A prediction might be: (a) The sow bugs will seek the moist/dark
side of the Petri dish, (b) The sow bugs will be all over the
setup, (c) The sow bugs will move toward the dry/light side
of the petri dish, etc. Answers should be written using complete
sentences.
2 points - For having a prediction, for only one
factor in complete sentences.
A prediction might be: (a) The sow bugs will seek the dark side
of the petri dish.
*** Deduct 1 point if complete sentences are not used. ***
0 points - Incorrect response, even if in complete sentences,
or no response provided.
Question 2. |
3 points total
|
3 points - As long as students provide a sound rationale
for both factors based on biological principles. They may have
answers such as: (a) They will prefer the dark because it is cooler
or because they can hide from predators or they normally feed
at night. (b) They will scatter all over because they are disoriented
due to being handled or they are attempting to find their home
area. (c) They seek moisture because they require the dampness
for respiration or to keep from drying out, etc. Predictions should
be written using complete sentences.
2 points - Identifies only one factor in explanation
*** deduct 1 point if complete sentences are not used***
0 points - Incorrect response even if in complete sentence,
or no response provided.
Part B
Data Table |
2 points total
|
2 points - For completing chart properly with both sets
of time and numbers.
1 point - One part of the data is missing.
0 points - If there is more than one part missing.
Part B
Question 3 |
3 points total
|
3 points - "Yes, most or all of the sow bugs were
on the moist/dark side or dry/light side." They may say "Yes,
7 of the 10 sow bugs were on the moist/dark side," or "No,
6 bugs were on the moist/dark side and 4 were on the illuminated/dry
side." The students should use the numbers of sow bugs located
in the various parts of the setup. As long as they have an appropriate
response based on what they discovered and recorded on their chart
and answers are written in complete sentences.
2 points - In the case of partial answres, for correctly
deciding "yes or no" based on their numbers for preference.
or
For properly using the numbers of bugs in various locations
as evidence but with a weak explanation.
*** Deduct 1 point if complete sentences are not used. ***
0 points - Incorrect response even if in complete sentence,
or no reponse provided.
Question 4a. |
3 points total
|
3 points - "No. Movement to the moist/dark side could
be evidence that the sow bugs prefer darkness and have nothing
to do with the moisture." Students should indicate that there
are two variables involved, not just one. Answers should be written
in complete sentences.
2 points - Identifies only one of the above variables.
*** Deduct 1 point if complete sentences are not used. ***
0 points - Incorrect response even if in complete sentence,
or no response provided.
Question 4b. |
3 points total
|
3 points - "No. Movement to the dry/light side might
indicate preference for a dry environment. It might not be related
to the amount of light available." Again, students should
indicate that there are two variables involved, not just one.
Answers should be written in complete sentences.
2 points - Identifies only one of the above variables.
*** Deduct 1 point if complete sentences are not used. ***
0 points - Incorrect response even if in complete sentence,
or no response provided.
1 point - Student responds, "No."
Question 6 |
2 points total
|
2 points - Student explains that two (2) variables were
used at the same time. Answers should be written in complete sentences.
1 point - Student gives a correct explanation for answer,
but not in complete sentences.
0 points - Incorrect answer even if written in complete
sentences.
Question 7 |
2 points total
|
2 points - Student suggests a procedure to eliminate the
problem of two (2) variables, such as, "The construction
paper screen could be left off the petri dish. That way the sow
bugs would be selecting between a moist and a dry environment."
Or, "The towels on the bottom of the petri dish could
all be dry or all moist, with the construction paper shading on
one side and the other side illuminated."
Answers should be written in complete sentences.
*** Deduct 1 point if complete sentences are not used. ***
0 points - If student response that the design is fine
as it is, even if it is written in complete sentences.
Question 8a. |
2 points total
|
2 points - The sow bugs prefer a moist environment because
they respire with gills. They must have moisture to keep their
gills so that the diffusion of gases can occur.
or
The sow bugs prefer a dark environment because it keeps them
from being easily spotted by predators. It also keeps them cooler
and prevents them from drying out.
or
The sow bugs prefer dry environments so that they are not
drowned. They must have the proper moisture level. Answers should
be written in complete sentences.
Answers should be written in complete sentences.
*** Deduct 1 point if complete sentences are not used. ***
NOTE: There are other possible correct answers. Use your
discretion in deciding if the choice is reasonable based on the
findings and that the survival factors are based on sound, biological
reasoning.
Question 8b. |
2 points total
|
2 points - There is no preference since neither the moist
and dark or the dry and light are a detriment to the animal's
survival, and neither condition is needed for their survival.
or
In order to maintain a proper homeostatic balance, the sow
bugs must move back and forth between the two environments.
Answers should be written in complete sentences.
*** Deduct 1 point if complete sentences are not used. ***
0 points - If either choice (a) or (b) is selected and
is not based on a reasonable interpretation of the lab results
even if it is written in complete sentences.
0 points - Incorrect response, even if written in complete
sentences, or no response provided.
Highest possible score - 24 points
|
"Sow Bug Habitats" - Scoring Form
Student ID ____________
Male / Female (circle one)
Circle the student's score for each question. Add the points for
each question and write the total score at the bottom of the scoring
form.
Student Setup |
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Building a sow bug habitat |
0
|
1
|
2
|
3
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II Answer Sheet |
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Part A |
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1. Predicting the reaction of the
sow bugs to their habitat |
0
|
1
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2
|
3
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2. Explaining their prediction |
0
|
1
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2
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3
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Part B |
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Data Table |
0
|
1
|
2
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3. Drawing conclusions from data |
0
|
1
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2
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3
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4. (a or b) Identifying the two (2) variables |
0
|
1
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2
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3
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5. Validity of experiment |
0
|
1
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6. Explanation of #3 |
0
|
1
|
2
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7. Changes in experiment design |
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8. (a or b) Factors for survival |
0
|
1
|
2
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Total Score _______________
Total possible score - 24 points
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