Ohio Resource Center
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Assessments
Containers
Discipline
Science
Grades
3, 4, 5
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Professional Commentary

Students investigate the effect of different container materials on heat transfer; draws a conclusion about the best insulator; and applies concept to a new, seemingly quite different problem. Students are given three containers of different insulating capacity, for example, metal, ceramic, and plastic, and are asked to find out which one would keep a hot drink warm for the longest time. They also receive thermometers, a clock, a piece of card to use as a fan, and a supply of hot water. The students are instructed to pour a measure of hot water into each of the containers, and to take the temperature in each one over a ten-minute interval. They are provided with a pre-designed data table in which to record their observations. This task assesses students' abilities to make and record measurements of temperature and probes their understanding of the concept of insulation. This task is designed to take students approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete. This performance assessment is part of the PALS (Performance Assessment Links in Science) collection. (author/ts)


Ohio Science Academic Content Standards (2002)
Physical Sciences
Benchmarks (3–5)
D.
Summarize the way changes in temperature can be produced and thermal energy transferred.
Scientific Inquiry
Benchmarks (3–5)
A.
Use appropriate instruments safely to observe, measure and collect data when conducting a scientific investigation.
B.
Organize and evaluate observations, measurements and other data to formulate inferences and conclusions.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 3)
1.
Select the appropriate tools and use relevant safety procedures to measure and record length and weight in metric and English units.
3.
Read and interpret simple tables and graphs produced by self/others.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 4)
1.
Select the appropriate tools and use relevant safety procedures to measure and record length, weight, volume, temperature and area in metric and English units.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 5)
1.
Select and safely use the appropriate tools to collect data when conducting investigations and communicating findings to others(e.g., thermometers, timers, balances, spring scales, magnifiers, microscopes and other appropriate tools).
3.
Use evidence and observations to explain and communicate the results of investigations.
National Science Education Standards
Science as Inquiry
Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry (Grades Kindergarten - 4)
Physical Science
Properties of objects and materials (Grades Kindergarten - 4)
Light, heat, electricity, and magnetism (Grades Kindergarten - 4)