Example Technology Performance Assessment Task

Task #5	Visual Representation of Data
Grade	6
Content Area(s)	Science
Unit Title/Theme	“Size & Scale: The Planets”
Task Developer/Author	Kay Marcelle

1. Setting the Context

This task focuses on the planets in our solar system, the portion of the universe students are most knowledgeable about, with an emphasis on scale and distance. Students' understanding of the magnitude of the universe evolves as they mature and gain new learning. After completing a multi-week study of the solar system, students will be asked to recall information learned as well as conduct online research to create a database containing specific information about the planets, to manipulate the information and use the data to draw the nine planets to scale (relative to each other).

2. Grade Expectations/Standards

Technology

IT1 – Basic Operations & Concepts

• Identifying and saving documents in multiple formats

IT3 - Productivity Tools

• Creating, entering and manipulating a data base using ascending and descending sorting, and searching/finding/ querying, using single criterion.

• Creating original illustrations using paint and draw applications

• Saving graphic images in multiple formats (e.g., .jpg, tif, gif)

• Using grade appropriate calculator’s applications/functions (e.g., basic operations, fraction-decimal conversion, percentage).

• Comparing and contrasting the uses of a paint and a draw application

Science Content Grade Expectations Assessed:

Representing Data and Analysis (S5-6:5) Students demonstrate their ability to represent data by:

• Determining an appropriate representation to represent their findings accurately. AND • Selecting a scale that is appropriate for range of data to be plotted, labels units, and presents data in an objective way. AND • Including clearly labeled keys and symbols, when necessary. AND • Using correct scientific terminology to label representations.

Representing Data and Analysis (S 5-6: 6) Students demonstrate their ability to analyze data by

• Identifying relationships of variables based upon evidence. AND

• Questioning data that might not seem accurate or does not fit into the pattern of other findings.

3. The Performance Task

Students will “publish” visual representations and interpretations of data they have collected and analyzed regarding their research of the solar system.

Goals: By fully participating in this lesson, students will be able to: Use technology tools to research, organize and present information about the solar system.

Role: Researcher, presenter

Audience: School Community

Product/Performance: Students will research and collect data about planets in the solar system in order to create a visual representation of their knowledge of the solar system.

4. Activities

1) Create a database containing the following fields: Name of Planet, Diameter, Number of Moons, Distance from Earth, Distance from Sun, Mass

2) Search web sites for the information necessary to complete all the fields in the database. (Rather than conducting an open ended search, some students might be directed to the web site http://www.nineplanets.org or some students might not be asked to collect data on all nine planets.)

3) Sort the database in ascending order so that the largest planet is listed first and the smallest planet is last.

4) Save it again as a PDF file and print it.

5) Complete the worksheet.

6) Use a calculator and a scale factor of 1 to 10 billion to determine the size of each planet. For this activity, use centimeters. If any students are unable to determine the scale using a calculator, they can use the resource provided at http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/solar_system/to perform the calculations or students can access Planet Image Cards file://localhost/at http/::cse.ssl.berkeley.edu:AtHomeAstronomy:act09_imagecards.html

7) In a paint/draw program, create a scale drawing of all nine planets and label them.

1) Save the file as a .jpg and print it.

5. Materials and Resources

• computer(s) with internet access, a database application, and a draw/paint application

• printer

• calculator(s)

6. Criteria/Rubric

CATEGORY	Exceeds Expectations	Meets Expectations	Expectations Not Met
Creates and manipulates database	Creates, enters and manipulates a data base using ascending and descending sorting, and searching/finding/ querying, using single and multiple criterion.	Creates, enters and manipulates a data base using ascending and descending sorting, and searching/finding/ querying, using single criterion.	Unable to accurately enter data or manipulate data in using ascending and descending sorting, and searching/finding/ querying, using single criterion.
Identifies and saves documents	Saves database as a PDF, and illustration as a .jpg and was able to save in additional format.	Saves database as a PDF, and illustration as a .jpg	Unable to save database as a PDF, and illustration as a .jpg
Calculator use	Demonstrates appropriate use of calculator to determine scale of objects on drawing.	Demonstrates appropriate use of calculator to determine scale of objects on drawing.	Unable to use calculator to determine scale of objects on drawing.
Differentiates paint and a draw tools	Correctly completes 6 items on the painting/drawing worksheet.	Correctly completes 5 items on the painting/drawing worksheet.	Correctly completes 4 or fewer items on the painting/drawing worksheet.
Creates original illustrations	Creates illustration in paint/draw program using appropriate tools and creates a logical and attractive page layout with all 9 planets.	Creates illustration in paint/draw program using appropriate tools and creates a logical page layout with all nine planets.	Struggles with the paint/draw program and is unable to use appropriate tools to create a page layout.
Accurately represents data	Correctly enters information in database, accurately scales and labels objects in illustration, and includes additional information.	Correctly enters information in database and accurately scales and labels objects in illustration.	Unable to crrectly enter information in database and/or to accurately scale and label objects in illustration.
Analyzes data	Questions data that might not seem accurate or does not fit into the pattern of other findings.	Questions data that might not seem accurate.	Includes data that might not seem accurate without questioning it.

7. Checklist

“Size & Scale: The Planets” Worksheet

Answer these questions after completing the database.

1. Which planets are the two largest? _________________________________________

2. Which planet is closest in size to Earth?______________________________________

3. List the planets in order according to their density _____________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

4. Are the largest planets the have the greatest density? _________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Before creating the scale drawing of the planets, write a “P” on the line if the statement is true for a painting application or a “D” if the statement is true for a drawing application

1. _________ creates objects that can be moved

2. _________ Photoshop is an example of this

3. _________ objects can be easily deleted

4. _________ Illustrator and Freehand are examples of this

5. ________ erasing leaves a blank spot on the background

6. _________ objects can be resized using “handles” that appear when you click on

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