Alaska Science Performance Standard L3/D4

Alaska Science
Key Element D4

A student who meets the content standard should evaluate the scientific and social merits of solutions to everyday problems.

Performance Standard Level 3, Ages 11–14

Students evaluate the scientific and societal impact of recent technologies.

Sample Assessment Ideas

Students research different types of tires and tracks left by different vehicles (e.g., bicycles, automobiles, ATVs, tractors, heavy construction equipment, and snow machines); identify patterns; draw conclusions.
Students evaluate the societal and scientific impact of telecommunications (e.g., cell phones, the Internet, television, satellite dishes, telephone, etc.) in their community.

Expanded Sample Assessment Idea

Expanded Sample Assessment Idea Mini-Unit: HIV

Students observe various kinds of fabric with a hand lens; describe what they have seen to an adult; create a model that shows their observations of the structure of the fabric.

Procedure Students will: Create a lesson to present to another class that discusses the HIV virus, its effects, transmission, and how to potentially limit its spread in an infectious situation (being very clear as to the relative pros and cons of each of the methods to restrict the spread of infection). Present the lesson to a different class. Following the presentation, each person in that class will receive a labeled cup containing 50 ml of a liquid (all of the cups contain plain water except for two which contain an additional 2 ml of 0.1M sodium hydroxide). The class is instructed that each student must complete four exchanges of liquid. Student presenters collect the cups, test for the presence of sodium hydroxide using an acid-base indicator, analyze the results, and report back to the class. Discuss and review each group’s presentation in light of their sample results. Discuss and review each group’s presentation with regard to societal impact.	Levels of Performance
	Stage 4	Student report includes a thorough investigation of the effects of the HIV virus, its transmission, and the methods to limit its spread. The report is detailed, extensive, and includes evidence of clear and logical reasoning
	Stage 3	Student report includes a thorough investigation of the effects of the HIV virus, its transmission, and the methods to limit its spread, although equal importance may not be placed on all three aspects. The report is detailed and includes evidence of clear and logical reasoning. Minor errors do not affect the results.
	Stage 2	Student report shows limited evidence of investigation of the HIV virus, its transmission, and methods to limit its spread. Student work is incomplete and may contain errors of scientific fact or reasoning.
	Stage 1	Student report shows little or no evidence of investigation of the HIV virus, its transmission, and methods to limit its spread. The report is largely incomplete, incorrect, or contains evidence of misconceptions related to scientific reasoning.

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