You, Me and Archimedes

Transcription

1 Science Performance Task Grades 9-12 by Keith McCarthy Robert Prichard MAP Team Members St. James School District South Central Regional MAP Center Third Edition: Performance-Based Assessments for Classroom Use: Missouri Assessment Program,

2 Purpose: This task requires that students invent a complex machine to solve a problem. As a result of doing this task students will gain an appreciation for the genius of Archimedes, a pioneer in physical science. Students will use their knowledge of six simple machines in order to construct a complex machine that is built to specified criteria and will solve a problem. Show-Me Standards Addressed: Knowledge: Sc2, Sc7 Performance: 3.3, 3.4, 3.7 Grade Level Range: 9-12 Materials and Resources Needed: Performance Task Packet (which contains the student prompt, the Specifications Sheet, the response sheets, and the scoring guide), scrap lumber, nails, grooved wheels, hinges, hammers, key, poster board, and other materials that may be used to construct a complex machine. Time Needed for Task: two - three 70 minute periods Instructions for Administration: Provide students with the prompt, response sheets, and scoring guide. Go over the instructions and scoring guide so students clearly understand what they are to do and what is expected for the creation of the machine. Be sure to tell students no motors or electrical components can be used for construction of the machine. Pre-assessment Instructions: The students will need to have prior knowledge of the six types of simple machines. Discuss Archimedes and his contributions to physical science. Relate this discussion to what the students will be doing in the task. Third Edition: Performance-Based Assessments for Classroom Use: Missouri Assessment Program,

3 Student Prompt You are unjustly being held prisoner in a dungeon. Your cunning skills have allowed you to acquire a key. To your misfortune, the key does not fit the lock on your dungeon door. But, the key may fit the lock on the adjacent dungeon. The problem lies in the fact that these two dungeons are separated by a three foot barrier. This barrier is protected by heat detecting vipers (a pair of rattlesnakes). Tossing the key would be risky; a missed tossed key would end all hope of escape. The only access shared by the two dungeons is a one foot square opening built into each dungeon. These openings are built directly across from each other, are level, and are three feet apart. You conclude that you will build a complex machine that will bridge the gap and safely deliver the key to your fellow inmate. Your fellow inmate happens to be Archimedes, the greatest scientist of classical Greece. He has instructed you on the six simple machines. All building materials have been removed from his dungeon, due to prior escape attempts. However, you are lucky enough to have building materials in your dungeon. Archimedes directs you to build a complex machine that incorporates at least two simple machines. The complex machine that you build must be built to meet certain specifications. You have been given a Specifications Sheet telling what your machine must do and allow for. Prior to actually trying to use your machine to get the key to your inmate, you will need to test it may times to make sure it is successful. Before making your complex machine, you will need to make a plan. After you have constructed your complex machine, you will make a presentation which describes and shows your machine, tells the process you used to make your machine, tells the simple machines contained in the complex machine, and tells why your machine is the best solution to the problem. Good luck on your attempted escape! Third Edition: Performance-Based Assessments for Classroom Use: Missouri Assessment Program,

4 Build a complex machine that: You, Me ad Archimedes Specifications Sheet -will move a key through a one foot square opening for a distance of three feet. -incorporates at least two simple machines. -can be hand loaded, but the loading process cannot begin the forward action of the key. -is safe in its method of delivering the key. -loads the key from the sending side of the machine and not the receiving side. -can be used by one person. -is always successful in moving the key the specified distance of three feet. -is constructed with materials on hand. Third Edition: Performance-Based Assessments for Classroom Use: Missouri Assessment Program,

5 Student Response Sheet # 1 Prior to making your complex machine you will need to make a plan. Draw a picture plan of your complex machine. Be sure to consult the Specifications Sheet when making your design. After your design is complete, get it approved by the teacher prior to building your machine. After building your machine, you will need to test it to make sure it works 100% of the time. It may be necessary to make modifications to your machine to make it successful. Third Edition: Performance-Based Assessments for Classroom Use: Missouri Assessment Program,

6 Student Response Sheet # 2 When you have completed your machine and are happy with the results, you will make a presentation which describes and shows your machine, tells the process you used to build the machine, tells the simple machines contained in the complex machine, and tells why your machine is the best solution to the problem. Use this sheet to make a outline of your presentation. Third Edition: Performance-Based Assessments for Classroom Use: Missouri Assessment Program,

7 Complex Machine Design: You, Me and Archimedes: Scoring Guide 4: The machine design meets all 6 of the specifications. 3: The machine design meets 5 of the specifications. 2 The machine design meets 4 of the specifications. 1 The machine design meets 3 of the specifications. Success of the Machine 4 The machine will move a key three feet through a one foot square hole with 100% accuracy. 3 The machine will move a key three feet through a one foot square hole with at least 80% accuracy. 2 The machine will move a key at least two feet through a one foot square hole with 80% - 100% accuracy or will move the key three feet through a one foot square hole with at least 60% accuracy. 1 The machine will move a key at least two feet through a one foot square hole with less than 80% accuracy or the machine will move the key at least three feet through a one foot square hole with less than 60% accuracy. Content of Presentation: 4 The presentation describes and shows the machine, tells the process used to make the machine, tells the simple machines contained in the complex machine, and tells why the machine is the best solution to the problem 3 The presentation describes and shows the machine, tells the simple machines contained in the complex machine and either tells why the machine is the best solution to the problem or the process used to create the machine. 2 The presentation describes the machine and does any one of the following: tells the simple machines contained in the machine, tells why the machine is the best solution, or describes the process used to create the machine. 1 The presentation describes the machine. Ability to Communicate via Oral Presentation 4 The presentation clearly and vividly communicated its intended purpose. 3 The presentation communicated its intended purpose. 2 The presentation attempted to communicate its intended purpose but was somewhat difficult to understand. 1 The presentation did not communicate its intended purpose. Third Edition: Performance-Based Assessments for Classroom Use: Missouri Assessment Program,