Sample work Science Stage 5: Earthquakes database
Work samples aligned to grades assist teachers to develop their understanding of the achievement standards at each grade level.
Description of activity
Students have undertaken initial discussion of the 1989 Newcastle earthquake including previous events in the Hunter region and conducted an internet search for other Australian earthquakes.
With guidance, students design on paper a spreadsheet layout for teacher feedback. They modify their spreadsheet structure incorporating recommendations from the teacher. Students identify websites that provide sources of data, then select, download and print relevant information relating to the agreed field on the spreadsheet.
Context
Students are undertaking a unit of work called Our Changing Earth. They will investigate scientific information relating to natural events as reported in the media. Students will evaluate the short-term and long-term impacts of such events on the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere.
This part of the unit will focus on plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes and students will examine data collected from Australian earthquakes. The activity builds on students' prior learning about table construction and involves students in researching information from the internet. Other secondary information will be collated into a spreadsheet for analysis of trends and patterns.
Outcomes
A student:
- 5.9 relates the development of the universe and the dynamic structure of the Earth to models, theories and laws and the influence of time
- 5.16 accesses information from a wide variety of secondary sources
- 5.17 explains trends, patterns and relationships in data and/or information from a variety of sources
- 5.18 selects and uses appropriate forms of communication to present information to an audience.
Criteria for assessing learning
(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- construct a spreadsheet for earthquake data showing the agreed fields in a logical structure and organisation
- research the internet using key words or phrases in an appropriate search engine
- select, download and print relevant information/data from the internet
- present relevant information/data in a spreadsheet.
Graded student work samples
Work sample feedback
Shannon
Shannon has demonstrated an adequate level of cmpetence in researching information and constructing a spreadsheet for earthquake data. A well-organised table has been produced, relevant information has been located and processed, and an appropriate conclusion has been drawn.
Most of the data cells have been completed with relevant information and a complete set of data for 'Year', 'Location', 'Richter' and 'Modified Mercalli' has been provided. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade C standard.
Ariel
Ariel has demonstrated a limited level of competence in researching information and constructing a spreadsheet for earthquake data. A table with appropriate headings has been produced but the column placement is not well organised. Empty cells suggest incomplete research and a lack of understanding of spreadsheet structure. The data has been processed but the relationships have not been explained.
Ariel has located and extracted information to outline relationships but has not presented relevant conclusions. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade D standard.
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