Summative Task 1: Big Bang Theory Literacy Task
Learning Target:
Unit A: Earth’s Place in the Universe
I can develop, communicate, and justify an evidence-based scientific explanation addressing questions around the Big Bang Theory. (DOK 3)
Directions
Write an essay (at least 3 paragraphs) about the question below. You may use your science notebook and look at articles, activities and/or notes from
this unit to help your writing. The rubric your teacher will use to grade your essay is below.
1. Which evidence for the Big Bang Theory is MOST important? In your essay:
A.
B.
C.
D.
describe the Big Bang Theory.
describe two or more different pieces of evidence that support this theory.
make connections: explain how the evidence supports the theory.
Identify which evidence is most important and explain why.
Important vocabulary: Use at least some of these words – you do NOT have to use them all.
UNDERLINE or HIGHLIGHT the vocabulary words.
Big Bang Theory; Hubble’s Law; Red Shift/Blue Shift, Doppler Effect, Cosmic Background Radiation, Expand, Scientific Model, Galaxy,
Formation of Elements, Quasars, Gravity, Spectrum, Visible light, Microwave, Radio wave, Temperature, Speed/Velocity, Distance
Key Resources to name in your essay:
Video(s): How the Universe Works – Big Bang Theory
Reading(s): Formation of the Universe (blue book); Comparing Theories of the Origin of the Universe
PowerPoint Note(s): Red Shift/Hubble’s Law; Scales of the Universe; Formation of Elements
Lab(s): Hubble’s Law Lab (rubber band)
Worksheet(s): Hubble’s Law Investigation (red shift of galaxies - graphing); How Old is the Universe (graphing)
Introduction- Describe the Big Bang Theory in detail and explain that scientists have evidence (paragraph 1)
Body- Describe one of the evidences and why it is so important (paragraph 2)
Body- Describe another type of evidence and why it is so important (paragraph 3)
Conclusion- Identify which evidence is the most important and why? Restate your introduction about the big bang theory and why and how this evidence
supports this theory.
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Big Bang Theory Essay, MYP Earth Space & Physical Science
Criterion B: Communication in science
Year 4 Rubric
Criterion C: Knowledge and understanding
Maximum: 6
Students should be able to do:

recall scientific knowledge and use scientific understanding to construct
scientific explanations
Students should be able to:

use scientific language correctly

acknowledge the work of others and the sources of information used by
appropriately documenting them using a recognized referencing system.
Achievement
Level
0
1-2
3-4
5-6
Describe
Level Descriptor
The student does not reach a
standard described by any of the
standards below.
The student uses a limited range of
scientific language correctly.
When appropriate to the task, the
student makes little attempt to
acknowledge sources of
information.
The student uses some scientific
language correctly.
When appropriate to the task, the
student partially acknowledges
sources of information.
The student uses sufficient
scientific language correctly.
When appropriate to the task, the
student uses a range of sources and
acknowledges those sources
appropriately.
Achievement
Level
Task Specific Description
0
3-4 terms used properly
(underline these)
1 source of information
identified in writing
1-2
5-6 terms used properly
(underline these)
2 different sources of
information identified in writing
7 or more terms used properly
(underline these)
3-4
Level Descriptor
5-6
Task Specific Description
The student does not reach
a standard described by
any of the standards
below.
The student partially
recalls scientific ideas,
concepts and/or
processes.
A. Outlines the theory gives very few
details [CLAIM]
B. Lists 1-2 pieces of evidence that
supports the big bang [EVIDENCE]
C. Makes few connections between the
evidence and the theory [EXPLANATION]
The student recalls
some scientific ideas,
concepts and/or
processes.
A. States basic details about the theory
[CLAIM]
B. Give details about 2 or more pieces of
evidence that supports the big bang
[EVIDENCE]
C. Makes some connections between the
evidence and the theory;
[EXPLANATION]
A. *Completely describes details of the
theory [CLAIM]
B. Give details about 2 or more pieces of
evidence that supports the big bang
[EVIDENCE]
C. Makes clear connections between
each piece of evidence and the theory;
[EXPLANATION]
D. Identifies the strengths / weaknesses
of the evidence
The student describes
scientific ideas, concepts
and/or processes.
3 or more different sources of
information identified in writing
Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event,
pattern or process.
Year 4 Rubric
Maximum: 6
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Writing Checklist
Writing Checklist
Criterion B:
Vocabulary:
Criterion B:
Vocabulary:
_____ I used this many vocabulary words ____________.
_____ I used this many vocabulary words ____________.
_____ I underlined each of the vocabulary words.
_____ I underlined each of the vocabulary words.
Sources:
Sources:
_____ I said which source (video notes, blue book reading, PowerPoint Notes
etc) I got each piece of information I wrote.
_____ I said which source (video notes, blue book reading, PowerPoint Notes
etc) I got each piece of information I wrote.
_____ I identified this many sources _______________.
_____ I identified this many sources _______________.
_____ I identified this many different sources ______________.
_____ I identified this many different sources ______________.
Criterion C:
A. Describe the theory:
Criterion C:
A. Describe the theory:
_____ I gave _______ (number of) details describing the Big Bang Theory.
_____ I gave _______ (number of) details describing the Big Bang Theory.
B. Evidence
B. Evidence
_____ I gave _______ pieces of evidence for the Big Bang Theory.
_____ I gave _______ pieces of evidence for the Big Bang Theory.
_____ I gave details about each piece of evidence for the Big Bang Theory.
_____ I gave details about each piece of evidence for the Big Bang Theory.
C.
C.
Connect the evidence to the theory
Connect the evidence to the theory
____ I explained how each piece of evidence I gave shows how we know a
detail of the Big Bang Theory.
____ I explained how each piece of evidence I gave shows how we know a
detail of the Big Bang Theory.
D. Evaluate Evidence
D. Evaluate Evidence
_____ I said which piece of evidence is most important.
_____ I said which piece of evidence is most important.
_____ I said why this piece of evidence is the most important.
_____ I said why this piece of evidence is the most important.
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