2011
Grade 7 Unit E: Planet Earth
Performance Assessment
Riley Laird
2/7/2011
Teacher Resource
Grade 7 Science Unit E: Plant Earth
Riley Laird
Junior Volcanologist
Students will design a virtual tour/educational program, and an advertising campaign to endorse the virtual educational program, (for a
National Park in Hawaii) to educate the public about volcanoes and plate tectonics.
SCIENCE OUTCOMES (Topic E: Planet Earth)
The Bigger Picture:
A secondary science program is guided by the principle of life-long learning through the process of scientific inquiry. It is
through a hands-on inquiry project that students develop scientific literacy and acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to
solve real-life problems and make decisions. [Program of Studies, p.1] This project will encourage the students to do
independent research, (with assistance where needed), engage creatively in the material, while also reviewing terms and
concepts from the unit. This project will also incorporate the use of technology.
General Outcomes
Specific Outcomes
Assessment
Science Technology, Technology, Society (STS) and Knowledge (Nature of Science Emphasis)
General Outcome 7-1
7Specific Outcome
 Virtual Education Program- (Final
Students will: Describe
Students will: Investigate and interpret evidence
Product A)
1.1
and demonstrate methods
that Earth’s surface undergoes both gradual and
 Advertising Campaign- (Final
used in the scientific study
sudden change (e.g., recognize earthquakes,
Product B)
of Earth and in observing
volcanoes and landslides as examples of sudden
 Final Rubric
and interpreting its
change; recognize glacial erosion and river
component material.
erosion as examples of gradual/incremental
change)
General Outcome 7-3
7Specific Outcome
 Virtual Education Program- (Final
Students will: Investigate
Students will: Describe evidence for crustal
Product A)
3.3
and interpret evidence of
movement, and identify and interpret patterns in
 Advertising Campaign- (Final
major changes in
these movements
Product B)
landforms and the rock
(e.g., identify evidence of earthquakes and
 Final Rubric
layers that underlie them.
volcanic action along the Pacific Rim; identify
evidence of the movement of the Pacific plate
relative to the North American plate.)
Skills (Science Inquiry Emphasis)
General Outcome 7-1
7Specific Outcome
 Self Checklist
Students will:
Students will: Research information relevant to a
 Self Evaluation
2.3
Conduct investigations into
given question.
 Virtual Education Program- (Final
the relationships between
Product A)
and among observations,
 Advertising Campaign- (Final
and gather and record
Product B)
qualitative and quantitative
 Final Rubric
data.
7Specific Outcome
 Self Checklist (at least 3 resources)
Students will: Select and integrate information
 Self Evaluation
2.4
from various print and electronic sources or from  Virtual Education Program- (Final
several parts of the same source (e.g.,
Product A)
demonstrate proficiency in uploading and
 Advertising Campaign- (Final
downloading text, image, audio
Product B)
and video files)
 Final Rubric
72.5
Specific Outcome
Students will: Organize data, using a format that
is appropriate to the task or experiment.
 Virtual Education Program- (Final
Product A)
 Advertising Campaign- (Final
Product B)
 Final Rubric
2
Learning Objectives
Students will:
1. Research how volcanoes suddenly and gradually change the Earth’s surface.
2. Identify evidence of earthquakes and volcanic action along the Pacific Rim.
3. Identify evidence of the movement of the Pacific plate relative to the North American plate.
4. Assemble information from at least 3 different types of sources (internet, books, movies, etc.).
5. Create a technology based educational presentation about volcanoes worldwide and Hawaiian volcanoes.
6. Create at least one form of advertising to support the virtual education program (Poster, brochure, commercial).
7. Reflect on the quality and process of their work.
Task Overview: Junior Volcanologist!
Student Role:
You are a Volcanologist who has been hired by Kilauea and Mauna Loa Volcano National Park in Hawaii to develop a virtual
education program about Hawaii’s volcanoes and volcanoes in general. In addition to creating a virtual tour to educate the public
the people at Kilauea and Mauna Loa Volcano National Park want you to create an advertising campaign to attract visitors to
yout virtual tour.
The Audience:
The general public is who your virtual education program and advertising campaign will be geared towards.
Product(s):
 Virtual Education Program about the Volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and general volcano information
 Some form of advertising to support your virtual education program (ie, poster, commercial, brochure)
 Self Reflection
 Self Checklist
See Checklist and Criteria for specific details
Teachers Notes (Lesson Outline):
Project Placement:
o This project should be in the middle of a unit or at the end of a unit. However, It only covers topics related
to volcanoes and tectonic plates so additional assessment is needed to cover the rest of the unit GLO’s.
o The final product may be used for assessment for learning (formative feedback) and/or assessment of
learning (summative/grading) purposes but it is recommended for summative use.
Directions:
o Have the students work alone so they each are creating a final product, but if they need assistance they can
work in groups during class time.
o Give the students a copy of the introduction letter, rubric, self evaluation, and checklists. (Save the other
resources for scaffolding).
Note: It might be helpful to show the students an exemplar of what you would like the final product to look like.
1. Prior to starting the research process, discuss the criteria within the rubric so that the language becomes
understandable to students and it is clearly understood what is expected of them. Explain to students
that they will be required to complete a self reflection. Briefly cover what makes up a quality self
reflection.
2. Explain to the students that they can use a variety of technologies and materials to create their final
product, they just need to be approved by the teacher beforehand.
3. After having covered the basics about volcanoes in previous lessons, give the student’s time to research
volcanoes on their own using computers or library books. (have them compile their research however
suits them best)
3
a. If the some students are struggling with research use the scaffolding material to help guide their
research. This can be broken into segments based on need for assistance. Level 1: is just research
questions and blank diagrams, level two: (increased need for assistance) will include the
additional resources to give them a starting point ie. Diagrams, websites, and books.
4. After researching give the students class time to brainstorm the creation of their virtual education
program and advertising campaign. Start this lesson in the computer lab by covering the basics on how
to use power point, Glogster and word. Give the students examples of how they can present their Virtual
Education Program ie) Prezi, Power Point, Glogster etc. Encourage them to plan it out on paper
beforehand.
a. The advertising campaign is open to all media sources, so the students can create a brochure,
commercial, poster, diorama etc. This must be approved by the teacher and include all the
criteria needed.
5. Give the students class time to complete their technology based portions of the project.
6. After the projects are complete have the students publish them for the classroom and have a gallery walk
to let the students view each other’s work. This is when the students can take time to fill in their self
reflections.
Scaffolding Techniques:
- Checklists
- Write on the board: “today you should be completing_____ (research, planning, etc.)”
- Resource guide (Level 1: Research Questions and Volcano Diagram) (Level 2: the addition of
web/text resources to use, informative diagrams, and teacher assistance)
- Teacher assistance
- Buddy system
- More time if needed
Evaluation of Product:
o Each student will receive an individual mark.
o Students will monitor their own progress using a checklist to make sure they meet all the criteria and stay on
track with the timeline as well as completing a self reflection
Materials:
- Computers
- Internet access
- Resource booklet
Timeline:
Recommended 7 Periods of 40 minutes
Day 1
Day 2`
Day 3
Introduction/ Research
Research/
Research
Planning
Day 4
Planning/
Putting it
together
Day 5
Putting it
together
Day 6
Putting it
together
Day 7
Reflection
&Presentation
Teacher Resources:
Hawaii National Park Website: http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
Earthquake Data for Hawaii: http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/Quakes/quakes0.html
Glogster Exemplar:http://blanchardr.edu.glogster.com/volcanos-of-all-kinds/
Glogster Homepage: http://edu.glogster.com/
4
Hawai’i Volcanoes National
Park: Kilauea and Mauna Loa
Dear Volcanologist;
Congratulations, you have been hired to create a new virtual education program about our local
volcanoes. We wish for this education program to highlight the facts about Kilauea and Mauna Loa as well as
the factors that led to the creation of our beautiful volcanoes. In addition to educating the general public on
Hawaii’s natural wonders we expect that the virtual education program will teach the public about volcanoes
worldwide. For example; how they are created, where they form, the various types of volcanoes that exist, their
impact on the landscape, and such information.
We are trying to keep up with the times and want to have an education program that is accessible to
everyone whether they can travel to Hawai’i or not. The format for the virtual education program is up to your
discretion, as long as it includes the required criteria and is technology based. (See checklist and Criteria list for
details)
Here is some background information on our local volcanoes and some resources for your use in
creating the education program. Erupting for the first time since 1982, an ash-laden plume rises from a crater
that formed in 2008, within the main crater Halema`uma`u at the summit of Kilauea. Lava from a vent on the
East Rift Zone, 12 miles east of the summit, flows through a lava tube system and slowly makes its way down
slope and toward the ocean. Check out the following sites to get you started: USGS and Hawaii National Parks
website which can be found in your resource guide.
We recommend that you start by researching basic information on volcanoes worldwide;
- What are the main types of volcanoes found worldwide?
- What are the features of a volcano?
- Where are volcanoes commonly located?
- What role do plate tectonics play in the formation and eruption of volcanoes?
o Pay particular attention to the Pacific Plate and North American Plate
- What is the Ring of Fire?
- How do volcanoes impact the landscape?
After investigating some basics on volcanoes you can move into researching some information about Hawaii’s
local volcanic activity;
- Where are the volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa located in Hawai’i?
- What type of volcanoes are Kilauea and Mauna Loa?
- What is the geologic history of the Hawaiian islands
- Are there any interesting facts you wish to share about Hawai’i volcanoes?
We thank you for your assistance in creating our new virtual education program and look forward to seeing the
final product.
Sincerely, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center
5
Name:___________________________
My Check List
Research:











I have named at least 5 different types of volcanoes
I have described the features of volcanoes
I have shown where volcanoes are commonly located
I have explained the role that plate tectonics play in the
formation and eruption of volcanoes
I have shown on a map where the Pacific Plate and North
American Plates are located
I have visually represented the Ring of Fire
I have explained how volcanoes impact the landscape
I have described which types of volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa
are.
I have located the volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa on a map.
I have briefly explained the geologic history of the Hawaiian
islands.
I have included at least one interesting fact about volcanoes.
Product:
 I have created a visually appealing and detailed Virtual Education
Program
 I have created a visually appealing advertisement for my Virtual
Education Program
 I have completed a self reflection on my project
6
Name:_________________
Self Reflection
Rate yourself on a scale of 1-5 in each category for how you think you did on your
Junior Volcanologist Project. 1 being not well at all, 5 being I rocked it!
Circle One.
1. I feel that I used my time wisely:
1
2
3
4
5
2. I covered all of the required criteria in my Virtual Education Program:
1
2
3
4
5
3. I am happy with my completed advertisement:
1
2
3
4
5
4. Overall I feel I deserve a…
1
2
3
4
5
5. What is one thing I feel I could have done better?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
6. Area of strength: what did I rock?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
7
Weighting
Level
Criteria
4
3
2
1
Vulcanology Award of
Excellence
You did great!
Adequate
Needs Work
Insufficient
Provides concise, detailed and
insightful information about
volcanoes in Hawaii and
worldwide. Created a visually
appealing educational product.
Excellent and skillful use of
technology.
Provides accurate and
detailed information
about volcanoes in Hawaii
and worldwide. Created a
visually satisfying
educational product.
Great use of technology.
Provides adequate
information about
volcanoes in Hawaii and
worldwide. Under
developed visual
representation. Used
technology.
Provides minimal
information about
volcanoes in Hawaii and
worldwide. Lacks visual
appeal. Poor use of
technology.
No score is
awarded because
there is insufficient
evidence of student
performance based
on the requirements
of the assessment
task.
X5____
Creates a well
thought out,
visually
appealing
Advertisement to
endorse their
education
program
Created a well thought out,
detailed and insightful
advertisement about their virtual
education program. Created a
visually appealing product that
attracts the consumer.
Created a well thought
out and detailed
advertisement about their
virtual education program.
Created a visually
appealing product that
attracts the consumer.
Created an adequate
advertisement about their
virtual education program.
Under developed visual
representation.
Created a below
satisfactory
advertisement about their
virtual education
program. Lacks visual
appeal.
Teacher
Feedback:
X2____
Conducts in
depth skillful
research on
Volcanoes in
Hawaii and
worldwide
Demonstrates a skillful ability to
assess and retrieve information.
Goes above and beyond the
research criteria needed. Utilizes
<3 different resources
Demonstrates a
competent ability to
assess and retrieve
information. Meets all the
research criteria. Utilizes
3 different resources
Demonstrates a simplistic
ability to assess and
retrieve information.
Meets at least 1/2 of the
research criteria. Utilizes
3 different resources
Demonstrates a
questionable ability to
assess and retrieve
information. Meets 1/3
of the research criteria.
Utilizes >3 resources
X4____
Completed a
critical and well
thought out self
reflection
Completes a critical, honest, and
detailed self reflection, Providing
examples and areas of strength
and weakness.
Completes a honest, and
detailed self reflection,
Providing areas of
strength and weakness.
Completes an honest, self
reflection, Providing no
areas of strength or
weakness.
Fails to complete a self
detailed self reflection.
X1__
__
Creates a
Detailed and
Appealing
Virtual
Education
Program
Rubric: Name:__________________________ Date:___________ Mark: ____/_____
Volcanologist Workbook
Name:_____________
Name:_____________________________
10
Name:_________________________
Research Questions
1. What are the main types of volcanoes found worldwide? (if you need a hint see your resources guide)
A)____________________
____________________
____________________
____________________
____________________
____________________
____________________
____________________
Diagrams
1. B) What are some features and characteristics of the volcano types you listed above? Can you give
examples of real life volcanoes for each type?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
2. Where are volcanoes commonly located?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
3. What role do plate tectonics play in the formation and eruption of volcanoes? Pay particular
attention to the Pacific Plate and North American Plate.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
11
4. What is the Ring of Fire? (See the resource guide for a hint.)
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
5. How do volcanoes impact the landscape?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Hawai’i Volcanoes
6. Where are the volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa located in Hawai’i?
12
7. What type of volcanoes are Kilauea and Mauna Loa?
______________________________________________________________________________
8. What is the geologic history of volcanoes in Hawai’i? (Hint: the rose from the sea floor)
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
9. Are there any interesting facts you wish to share about Hawai’i Volcanoes?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
13
Student Resource Guide
14
Student Research Resources
You are not limited to these resources, but here are a few suggestions:
o Google.com, Yahoo.com, Ask.com, discoverykids.ca
o Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
o Hawaii National Park website: http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
o Earthquake Data for Hawaii: http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/Quakes/quakes0.html
o Research information: http://www.squidoo.com/volcanoes/97554151-Volcano-Glossary
o Interactive Map of Hawaii Volcanoes: http://www.nationalatlas.gov/dynamic/dyn_vol-hi.html
Student Virtual Education Program Resources
o
o
o
o
o
o
Glogster homepage (for creating virtual interactive posters): http://edu.glogster.com/
Glogster exemplar: http://blanchardr.edu.glogster.com/volcanos-of-all-kinds/
Prezi Presentation: http://prezi.com/index/
Notebook
PowerPoint
Other
Student Advertising Resources
o
o
o
o
o
o
Glogster Exemplar: http://blanchardr.edu.glogster.com/volcanos-of-all-kinds/
Glogster Homepage: http://edu.glogster.com/
Prezi Presentation: http://prezi.com/index/
Notebook
PowerPoint
Brochures, posters, commercials, diorama, other.
Available Materials:
o
o
o
o
o
Computers
Markers
Poster paper
Blank paper
Pens, pencils, rulers
15
Name:_________________________________
Brainstorming
16
Exemplar Glogster
17