1st Grade Performance Task
Developed for Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Authors: Betty Crocker, Janette Fentress, Virginia Malone, Theresa Weeks

Description:

Students observe the characteristics of mealworms.

This task is designed to take approximately 30 minutes.

Overall Task Content Area:

Life Science

Specific Knowledge Areas:

The traits of organisms

Performance Expectations:

• collecting data by observing mealworms
• organizing data on the proscribed chart

National Science Education Standards:

4 AS I 1: Employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses: Grades K-4
1.3 In early years, students develop simple skills, such as how to observe, measure, cut, connect, switch, turn on and off, pour, hold, tie, and hook. Beginning with simple instruments, students can use rulers to measure the length, height, and depth of objects and materials; thermometers to measure temperature; watches to measure time; beam balances and spring scales to measure weight and force; magnifiers to observe objects and organisms; and microscopes to observe the finer details of plants, animals, rocks, and other materials. Children also develop skills in the use of computers and calculators for conducting investigations.

4 CL S 2: Life cycles of organisms: Grades K-4
2.1 Plants and animals have life cycles that include being born, developing into adults, reproducing, and eventually dying. The details of this life cycle are different for different organisms.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics:

ALG1: Understand patterns, relations, and functions.
Grades preK-5 a. sort, classify, and order objects by size, number, and other properties

MEAS2: Apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements.
Grades preK-5 c. use tools to measure.

DAP1: Formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer them.
Grades preK-5 e. collect data using observations, surveys, and experiments
Grades preK-5 f. represent data using tables and graphs such as line plots, bar graphs, and line graphs

PS2: Solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts:
Grades 6-8

COM1: Organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communication:
Grades 6-8

General Instructions to the Teacher:

This task is designed to take students approximately 1 class period of 30 minutes.

Students will be working both individually and in groups during this exercise.

Students should be ready to work as soon as the period begins. The materials should be set out at each lab station, if possible. A central supply area, if needed, should be easily accessible. All supplies should be clearly labeled.

• Containers of mealworm larva and oats
• Hand lenses
• Rulers
• "Hey, Look Me over" observation chart
• Cotton swabs

Advance Preparation:

• Prepare the mealworm observation chart, "Hey, Look Me Over".
• Leave the first column empty until "More Lizard Snacks" (see Extensions/modifications).

Safety:

• Be careful.
• Teachers and students should always exercise appropriate safety precautions and utilize appropriate laboratory safety procedures and equipment when working on science performance tasks.

Extensions/modifications:

• "Hey, Look Me Over" is one part of a five part assessment that was administered.The other four stations are "More Lizard Snacks," "The Forgetful Pony Learns about Grain," "The Forgetful Pony Learns about Oatmeal," and "Who's Been EAting the Oatmeal."