Student teams compared the absorption of solar energy by light and dark
surfaces. Students performed an initial procedure and then followed it with
two experiments, changing one variable in each experiment. Data were collected
and recorded on table matrices provided by the publisher of this particular
investigation.
| This sample of student work was produced under the following
conditions: |
| alone |
in a group |
| in class |
as homework |
| with teacher feedback |
with peer feedback |
| timed |
opportunity for revision |
 c
Physical Sciences Concepts: The student
produces evidence that demonstrates understanding of light, heat…such
as the variation of heat and temperature….
 The student
collected and recorded data showing variations in temperature.
 The student
interprets the data in terms of temperature increase.
 The student makes
a prediction based on the data interpretation.
 a
Scientific Connections and Applications: The
student produces evidence that demonstrates understanding of big ideas
and unifying concepts such as…cause and effect.
The student
recognizes the causal relationship between color of materials and
the amount of change in temperature in the presence of sunlight.
 In the conclusion,
the student correctly applies the causal relationship noted in . |
 |
 |
 b
Scientific Thinking: The
student uses concepts from Science Standards 1 to 4 to explain a variety
of observations and phenomena.
The student applied
understanding of the concept of heat variation from c
by explaining “that light trays reflect the sunlight and the
black trays don’t reflect the sunlight.” The student’s
confidence in his/her understanding of the concept is evident in the
use of the words, “I know this is true….”
 a
Scientific Tools and Technologies: The
student uses technology and tools (such as…thermometers…)
to gather data and extend the senses.
The work clearly illustrates use of the thermometers and watches
as tools to gather data. |
 |
 a
Scientific Communication: The
student represents data and results in multiple ways, such as numbers,
tables, and graphs…and technical and creative writing.
 
 The student presents
data in charts and line graphs, and uses narrative writing to describe
outcomes and conclusions. Note that in
and
, the student begins each line graph at 0°. The student needs
some minor assistance to understand how to record the initial data
on a line graph. However, recordings after the initial one on each
graph are correct. |
 |
|
