The following data for the Sun and the four inner planets of the Solar System have been observed.
Mean Distance
from the Sun
(million
kilometers)
Sun
Diameter
(kilometers)
1,400,000
Mercury
58
4,900
Venus
108
12,100
Earth
150
12,800
Mars
228
6,800
In a simplified model of the Solar System, the planets revolve around the Sun in circular orbits, all in
the same plane. Each planet has a different period of revolution. Also, each planet is a sphere that
rotates about an axis through its center, but with a different period of rotation. In this model the axis
of rotation of each planet is perpendicular to the plane of the orbit.
NAEP released item, grade 12
1. One early simple model of the atom is very similar to the model of the Solar System described
before question 1. In the space below, draw a sketch of this simple model of an atom, labeling its
components.
NAEP released item, grade 12
Scoring Guide
Score & Description
Complete
Student demonstrates understanding of the structure of an atom by sketching a diagram that shows
all of the following:
a. The nucleus or proton/neutron cluster, labeled as "nucleus" or "proton and neutrons" or
"proton".
b. At least one labeled electron.
c. An indication that the electron(s) orbits around the nucleus (by showing one or more circle
around it).
Partial
Student demonstrates partial understanding of the structure of an atom by sketching a correct
diagram with labels that are correct but not complete. The diagram shows the nucleus and the
orbit(s) with or without electrons, with at least one component labeled correctly. No component is
labeled incorrectly.
Unsatisfactory/Incorrect
Student diagram demonstrates no understanding of the structure of an atom by showing any of the
following:
a. The nucleus, protons, neutrons or electrons placed incorrectly.
b. No orbits.
c. Items such as molecules, biological cell components, etc., shown as parts of the atom.
NAEP released item, grade 12
Complete - Student Response
1 One early simple model of the atom is very similar to the model of the Solar System described
before question 1. In the space below, draw a sketch of this simple model of an atom, labeling its
components.
Scorer Comments:
Student response shows a proton/neutron cluster labeled "nucleus," labeled electrons, and orbits
around the nucleus containing the electrons.
1 One early simple model of the atom is very similar to the model of the Solar System described
before question 1. In the space below, draw a sketch of this simple model of an atom, labeling its
components.
NAEP released item, grade 12
Scorer Comments:
Student response shows a labeled proton with a labeled electron in orbit around the proton. The
diagram represents the hydrogen atom.
Partial - Student Response
1 One early simple model of the atom is very similar to the model of the Solar System described
before question 1. In the space below, draw a sketch of this simple model of an atom, labeling its
components.
Scorer Comments:
Student response shows a labeled nucleus with an orbit around it, but with no electron.
1 One early simple model of the atom is very similar to the model of the Solar System described
before question 1. In the space below, draw a sketch of this simple model of an atom, labeling its
components.
NAEP released item, grade 12
Scorer Comments:
Student response shows a labeled nucleus with an orbit around it, but with no electron.
1
Unsatisfactory/Incorrect - Student Response
One early simple model of the atom is very similar to the model of the Solar System described
before question 1. In the space below, draw a sketch of this simple model of an atom, labeling its
components.
Scorer Comments:
Student response shows a labeled nucleus with a labeled electron in orbit around it; however, there
is a proton and a neutron incorrectly placed in orbit around the nucleus.
1
One early simple model of the atom is very similar to the model of the Solar System described
before question 1. In the space below, draw a sketch of this simple model of an atom, labeling its
components.
NAEP released item, grade 12
Scorer Comments:
Student response attempts to draw a sketch of a biological cell instead of an atom.
NAEP released item, grade 12
2000 National Performance Results
Score
Percentage of Students
Unsatisfactory/incorrect
Partial
47%
5%
Complete
29%
Omitted
Off task
18%
2%
Note:
•
•
These results are for public and nonpublic school students.
Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.
The Fields of Science: Physical Sciences (Sub content classification: Matter and Its
Transformations)
Knowing and Doing Science : Conceptual Understanding
NAEP released item, grade 12
The Fields of Science
Physical Sciences
This question measures basic knowledge and understanding of the following:
Knowing and Doing Science
Conceptual Understanding
Conceptual understanding includes the body of scientific knowledge that students draw upon when
conducting a scientific investigation or engaging in practical reasoning. Essential scientific concepts
involve a variety of information, including facts and events the student learns from both science
instruction and experiences with natural environment; and scientific concepts, principles, laws, and
theories that scientists use to explain and predict observations of the natural world.
NAEP released item, grade 12