Scoring Guide for the Unit
An Aquatic Eco-Mystery: The Case of the Missing Otters
1. Shows understanding that an ecosystem is complex and includes both living and nonliving things. |
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The ecosystem shown or described includes: | |
4 points | Water, physical elements such as rocks, the sun, producers, and consumers. |
3 points |
Water, physical elements, at least one producer and one consumer. |
2 points |
Water OR physical elements, producer(s) OR consumer(s). |
1 point |
Living things only. |
2. Shows understanding of interconnections and interdependence in an aquatic ecosystem. |
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The interactions shown or described include: | |
4 points | A food web (more complex than a simple food chain), shelter, adaptations of animals, effects of change. |
3 points |
A food chain including producers and consumers, with at least 4 organisms, shelter. |
2 points |
A simple food chain with consumer(s) and producer(s). |
1 point |
One simple interaction between two organisms. |
3. Shows understanding of change in an ecosystem. |
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Description includes: | |
4 points | Selection of an important element, with at least 5 reasonably possible consequences to other elements of the ecosystem. |
3 points |
At least 3 consequences that are reasonably possible, with little evidence of misunderstanding. |
2 points |
At least 2 reasonable consequences, but also includes some incorrect or unreasonable assumptions. |
1 point |
One correct consequence of removing something from the ecosystem. |
4. Demonstrates understanding of scientific processes. |
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Describes: | |
4 points | Questioning, Observation, and Data Collection with detailed methods and with reasons given for the importance of following scientific procedures. |
3 points |
Questioning, Observation, and Data Collection. |
2 points |
Two processes from Questioning, Observation, Data Collection. |
1 point |
Questioning, Observing, OR Data Collection. |
4 points indicates complete understanding or an “A” grade.
3 points indicates partial understanding or a “B” Grade.
2 points indicates developing understanding or a “C” grade.
1 point indicates minimal understanding or a “D” grade.
Teachers may want to add additional criteria to the scoring guide to evaluate science notebooks, field etiquette, participation, neatness of work, writing conventions, or other desired outcomes.