Online Resource 2
Supplement to article from
Journal of Science Teacher Education
Assessing Teachers’ Science Content Knowledge: A Strategy for Assessing Depth of Understanding.
[Authors’ information withheld for blind review]
Sample responses and assigned codes with explanations
Big Idea
Teacher Response
When plates
converge,
metamorphic rocks
are created from
pre-existing rocks
Japan is an example of a convergent boundary
where two plates are moving closer to one
another. As these plates come into contact with
each other, one is forced under the other.
Metamorphism occurs in areas where there is
intense pressure between the two plates. The
amount of metamorphism will be determined by
the temperature and pressure occurring.
When an oceanic
plate subducts
beneath a
continental plate,
volcanic mountain
chains & igneous
intrusions are
created
As the plate is forced under the other, this could
cause some melting above it (if it is oceanic) and
igneous rocks as it cools (even if it does not reach
the surface it can cool underground).
In subduction zones,
sedimentary rocks
are created from the
erosion of
volcanoes, the uplift
of the continental
margin, and
accretions.
When a convergent boundary occurs, lava is
pushed up & metamorphic rock is formed. As the
plates push together there may be subduction and
igneous rock forms through heat and pressure.
Sedimentary rock forms as new material gathers
and is formed together.
Rift zones are places
where there is high
heat and crustal
spreading
The heat & pressure bring the plates together to
create materials that continue to develop the
different types & layers of the rock. The building
of the movement creates heat and pressure.
metamorphic
sedimentary
The high heat in rift
zones results in both
contact & regional
metamorphic rocks
form from preexisting rocks
Code
AC
Explanation
Gives correct and complete
explanation of the relationship
between convergent plates and
metamorphic forces of pressure
and heat.
Correct concept, but lacks the
vocabulary to describe the events.
AI
C
Answer reflects confused
connection between sedimentary
and “new material.” Answer does
not clearly show writer’s ideas
about sedimentary rock.
Describes a subduction zone
instead of a rift zone. Diagram is
oversimplified.
I
igneous
As plates move apart, this allows (liquid) lava to
move from under the mantle to the Earth’s crust.
At these places, volcanoes form and new land is
created when the lava cools. As the one plate
moves underneath the second, it is heated by the
earth’s core and “land” transforms to lava
No mention of metamorphism –
fails to address the question.
NP