COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF STUDENT ASSESSMENT STANDARDS BASED ASSESSMENTS (SBA) Science Practice Test Scoring Guide Grade 8 Alaska Department of Education & Early Development
Science Practice Test Scoring Guide with Answer Keys, Scoring Guidelines, and Sample Papers General Introduction The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (EED), in cooperation with Data Recognition Corporation, designed and produced the Alaska Science Practice Tests to support students in doing their best on the Alaska Comprehensive System of Student Assessment, Standards Based Assessments in science (grades 4, 8, & 10). A scoring guide, with answer keys, scoring guidelines, sample student papers, and a test map, provides the teacher with information and tools to score each practice test. Content A Practice Test Scoring Guide for each grade level and subject area is posted on the EED Website (http://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/assessment). To access this website, follow these instructions. Directions to access the AK EED Website 1. Type or copy and paste the link to the Alaska EED Website into your browser. http://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/assessment 2. Select Standards Based Assessments. 3. Select Item Samplers / Practice Tests. 4. Select the grade-level assessment (or other document) you wish to download. 5. At this point you may save the file to your computer or print the file directly from the website. Printing from the website can be very time consuming. It is likely you will want to save the file(s) to your computer, then print. This guide is divided into two sections. Section I includes the answer keys and scoring guidelines (with detailed item-specific scoring rubrics for scoring short and extended constructed-response questions) and sample student papers with annotations for each score point. Section II presents a grade-level test map that lists item sequence, corresponding Grade Level Expectation, and an answer key. Purpose The items included for the science practice test were created for use in Alaska classrooms. These materials may be copied and used as part of a local instructional program.* Alaska educators may use the science practice tests, the Science Practice Test Administration Directions, and the Science Practice Test Scoring Guides to support daily instruction in the classroom and to prepare their students for the operational standards based assessments. Important: The practice tests were developed for usability purposes only, and in no way should the tests or scores students receive be considered a predictor of a student s ability to perform on the operational Standards Based Assessments. The science items provide samples of what students will see on the operational tests. Items are not necessarily the same in terms of measurement, rigor, or the length of time it takes a student to respond. *The permission to copy and/or use these materials does not extend to commercial purposes. Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 2
Item Format The science practice test includes two types of science items: multiple choice and constructed response. Practice test multiple-choice items have four answer options. The correct response to each multiple-choice item is worth one point. For grade 8 science, two types of constructed-response items are presented in the science practice test: short constructed response (SCR) are 2-point items; extended constructed response (ECR) are 4-point items. Item-specific scoring guidelines and examples of responses for each score point are presented with each constructed-response item. Scoring Guidelines These guidelines contain multiple-choice answer keys and general scoring rubrics for 2-point and 4-point constructed-response items. The general scoring rubric includes item-specific guidelines to assist the teacher with scoring constructed-response items. Sample student papers are included for each short and extended constructed-response score point. An item-specific annotation follows each sample student response. The annotations are designed to provide the teacher with the explanation of why the score point was awarded. Test Maps The test map on pages 32 33 presents the sequence of the items, the Grade Level Expectation to which each item is aligned, and the answer key. This at-a-glance chart is designed to assist the teacher with scoring the practice test. 3 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
1. A 2. D 3. B 4. B 5. D 6. A 7. B 8. A 9. B 10. D 11. B 12. B 13. A Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 4
This question is worth 2 points. 14. A student placed different amounts of salt in beakers. Each beaker contained 250 milliliters of water at 20 degrees C. The mixtures were stirred until all of the salt was dissolved. Three trials were performed for each mixture. The time it took for the salt to completely dissolve in each trial was recorded in the table below. Amount of Salt (grams) Dissolved Salt Experiment Data Time to Dissolve Salt (seconds) Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average Time to Dissolve Salt (seconds) 5 31 32 33 32 10 44 44 46 45 15 55 54 54 54 20 60 59 61 60 30 82 86 84 84 The average time for each amount of salt to dissolve was calculated and recorded in the table. A. Write a testable question that can be answered by doing this experiment. 5 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
B. Make a graph by plotting the average time to dissolve each amount of salt. Dissolved Salt Experiment Data Average Time to Dissolve Salt (seconds) Amount of Salt (grams) Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 6
14. Short Constructed Response Score Rubric 2 2 of 2 parts correct 1 1 of 2 parts correct OR Some correct and relevant work or explanation 0 Response is incorrect or irrelevant 1 point for a correct testable question. 1 point for making a correct graph. Correct Response: How does the amount of salt affect the time it takes to dissolve salt in 250 ml of water at the same temperature? Dissolved Salt Experiment Data 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 Average Time to Dissolve Salt (seconds) 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 2830 32 34 36 38 40 Amount of Salt (grams) 7 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
Item #14 Response Score: 2 Short Constructed Response: A. Write a testable question that can be answered by doing this experiment. Annotation for score point: 2 All parts are correct: 1. A correct testable question is provided. 2. A correct graph is provided. Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 8
Item #14 Response Score: 1 Short Constructed Response: Annotation for score point: 1 Some part is correct: 1. Incorrect question is provided because the temperature is kept constant at 20 degrees C. 2. A correct graph is provided. 9 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
Item #14 Response Score: 0 Short Constructed Response: Annotation for score point: 0 No part is correct: 1. The testable question is not correct. 2. The graph is not correct. Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 10
15. D 16. B 17. B 18. A 19. A 20. C 21. A 22. D 23. A 24. C 25. D 26. A 27. C 11 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
This question is worth 4 points. 28. Study the model below. Energy Diagram heat chemicals heat Sun X heat decomposers producers heat consumers Y heat A. The energy diagram shows the flow of energy through an ecosystem. Identify the forms of energy at point X and at point Y. Point X: Point Y: B. The energy diagram is one model used by ecologists to describe energy flow. Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of the model. Advantage: Disadvantage: Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 12
28. Extended Constructed Response Score Rubric 4 4 of 4 parts correct 3 3 of 4 parts correct 2 2 of 4 parts correct 1 1 of 4 parts correct 0 Response is incorrect or irrelevant 1 point for identifying the form of energy at point X. 1 point for identifying the form of energy at point Y. 1 point for explaining an advantage of the model. 1 point for explaining a disadvantage of the model. Correct Response: light chemical The model shows the flow of energy between organisms and the cycling of energy. The model does not show the amount of energy gained or lost at each level. 13 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
Item #28 Response Score: 4 Extended Constructed Response: Annotation for score point: 4 All parts are correct: 1. Correct identification of energy is provided. 2. Correct explanation of an advantage of the model and a correct explanation of a disadvantage of the model are provided. Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 14
Item #28 Response Score: 3 Extended Constructed Response: Annotation for score point: 3 Some part is correct: 1. Correct identification of energy is provided. 2. Correct explanation of an advantage is provided, but the explanation of a disadvantage is not correct. 15 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
Item #28 Response Score: 2 Extended Constructed Response: Annotation for score point: 2 Some part of the response is correct: 1. The response provides a correct identification of the form of energy at point Y. But, the identification of the form of energy for point X is not correct. 2. Correct explanation of an advantage of the model but the explanation of a disadvantage is not correct. Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 16
Item #28 Response Score: 1 Extended Constructed Response: Annotation for score point: 1 Some part is correct: 1. The response provides a correct identification of the form of energy for point X. However, the identification of the form of energy for point Y is not correct. 2. The explanation of one advantage of the model and the explanation of one disadvantage of the model are not correct. 17 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
Item #28 Response Score: 0 Extended Constructed Response: Annotation for score point: 0 No parts are correct: 1. The identification of the forms of energy is not correct. 2. The explanation of one advantage of the model and the explanation of one disadvantage of the model are not correct. Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 18
29. A 30. A 31. D 32. D 33. B 34. D 35. A 36. A 37. C 38. A 39. C 40. C 41. C 19 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
This question is worth 2 points. 42. The five types of organisms shown below transfer energy in a tundra ecosystem. A. Connect the organisms in this illustration to make a food web. Be sure to use arrows to correctly show the flow of energy. mouse tundra wolf snowshoe hare caribou moss B. Snowy owls migrate into this ecosystem and prey on both mice and snowshoe hares. Describe one change to the food web when many snowy owls migrate into the ecosystem at a certain time. Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 20
42. Short Constructed Response Score Rubric 2 2 of 2 parts correct 1 1 of 2 parts correct OR Some correct and relevant work or explanation 0 Response is incorrect or irrelevant 1 point for using arrows to correctly show the flow of energy in the food web. 1 point for correctly describing one change to the food web when many snowy owls migrate into the ecosystem at a certain time. Correct Response: A. B. There is less food available for the tundra wolf. 21 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
Item #42 Response Score: 2 Short Constructed Response: A. Connect the organisms in this illustration to make a food web. Be sure to use arrows to correctly show the flow of energy. B. Snowy owls migrate into this ecosystem and prey on both mice and snowshoe hares. Describe one change to the food web when many snowy owls migrate into the ecosystem at a certain time. Annotation for score point: 2 All parts are correct: 1. Correct arrows showing the appropriate relationship and flow of energy in the food web. 2. Correct description of a change in the ecosystem. Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 22
Item #42 Response Score: 1 Short Constructed Response: A. Connect the organisms in this illustration to make a food web. Be sure to use arrows to correctly show the flow of energy. B. Snowy owls migrate into this ecosystem and prey on both mice and snowshoe hares. Describe one change to the food web when many snowy owls migrate into the ecosystem at a certain time. Annotation for score point: 1 Some part is correct: 1. Incorrect direction of arrows. 2. Correct description of a change in the ecosystem. 23 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
Item #42 Response Score: 0 Short Constructed Response: A. Connect the organisms in this illustration to make a food web. Be sure to use arrows to correctly show the flow of energy. B. Snowy owls migrate into this ecosystem and prey on both mice and snowshoe hares. Describe one change to the food web when many snowy owls migrate into the ecosystem at a certain time. Annotation for score point: 0 No part is correct: 1. Incorrect direction and relationship of arrows. 2. Incorrect description of a change in the ecosystem. Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 24
43. D 44. A 45. D 46. C 47. B 48. A 49. A 50. B 51. A 52. A 53. C 54. B 55. D 25 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
This question is worth 2 points. 56. Study the water cycle diagram below. water vapor transport precipitation glacier evaporation transpiration evaporation surface runoff groundwater flow land lake river forest ocean precipitation A glacier in Alaska has been slowly decreasing in size. Use the water cycle to describe how a glacier can decrease in size over a period of years. Be sure to correctly use at least two terms from the diagram. Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 26
56. Short Constructed Response Score Rubric 2 2 of 2 parts correct 1 1 of 2 parts correct OR Some correct and relevant work or explanation 0 Response is incorrect or irrelevant 1 point for using at least two terms correctly in the description. 1 point for correctly relating the terms to the decrease in glacier size. Correct Response: If the precipitation rate over the glacier in the model is less than evaporation or runoff rate, the glacier will decrease in size. 27 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
Item #56 Response Score: 2 Short Constructed Response: A glacier in Alaska has been slowly decreasing in size. Use the water cycle to describe how a glacier can decrease in size over a period of years. Be sure to correctly use at least two terms from the diagram. Annotation for score point: 2 All parts are correct: 1. 1 point for using at least two terms correctly in the description. 2. 1 point for correctly relating the terms to the decrease in glacier size. Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 28
Item #56 Response Score: 1 Short Constructed Response: A glacier in Alaska has been slowly decreasing in size. Use the water cycle to describe how a glacier can decrease in size over a period of years. Be sure to correctly use at least two terms from the diagram. Annotation for score point: 1 Some part is correct: 1. Student uses two terms from the diagram correctly but incorrectly relates the terms to a decrease in glacier size. 29 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
Item #56 Response Score: 0 Short Constructed Response: A glacier in Alaska has been slowly decreasing in size. Use the water cycle to describe how a glacier can decrease in size over a period of years. Be sure to correctly use at least two terms from the diagram. Annotation for score point: 0 No part is correct: Student does not use terms from the diagram and does not correctly describe the glacier size decreasing. Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 30
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SECTION II: Grade 8 Science Test Map SCIENCE Sequence GLE Key 1 G.2.1 A 2 C.2.1 D 3 D.1.2 B 4 A.1.1 B 5 C.2.3 D 6 D.4.2 A 7 A.2.1 B 8 C.3.2 A 9 C.2.2 B 10 D.2.1 D 11 B.1.1 B 12 D.3.1 B 13 B.2.1 A 14 A.1.1 Short Constructed Response 15 B.2.1 D 16 C.1.1 B 17 B.4.2 B 18 D.3.2 A 19 B.1.1 A 20 C.3.1 C 21 A.1.1 A 22 D.4.2 D 23 B.1.1 A 24 B.4.1 C 25 G.2.1 D 26 C.3.2 A 27 A.1.1 C 28 A.2.1/B.2.1 Extended Constructed Response 29 B.4.1 A 30 D.3.1 A 31 C.2.2 D Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8 32
SECTION II: Grade 8 Science Test Map SCIENCE Sequence GLE Key 32 G.2.1 D 33 D.4.2 B 34 C.2.3 D 35 D.2.1 A 36 B.2.1 A 37 D.3.1 C 38 A.1.1 A 39 A.2.1 C 40 G.2.1 C 41 C.3.2 C 42 A.1.1/C.3.2 Short Constructed Response 43 A.1.1 D 44 C.2.1 A 45 D.1.2 D 46 A.2.1 C 47 D.1.2 B 48 G.2.1 A 49 B.1.1 A 50 D.3.2 B 51 C.2.3 A 52 G.2.1 A 53 C.2.2 C 54 C.3.1 B 55 A.2.1 D 56 A.2.1/D.1.2 Short Constructed Response 33 Science Practice Test Scoring Guide: Grade 8
Science Practice Test Scoring Guide Grade 8 Copyright 2008 by Alaska Department of Education & Early Development. The materials contained in this publication may be duplicated by Alaska educators for local classroom use. This permission does not extend to the duplication of materials for commercial use.