Brief-Constructed Response
Sexual Reproduction
Teacher Guide
Objectives assessed: The student will be able to:
 Explain that sexual reproduction involves joining of gametes.
 Explain that in most cases, sexual reproduction involves a male and female of a species
producing offspring.
 Identify that sexual reproduction involves a single sperm and egg cell.
 Identify that sexual reproduction results in greater species diversity because genes come
from two parents.
 Use appropriate tools to collect information, including digital cameras.
 Demonstrate safe practices during field investigations as outlined in the Texas Safety
Standards.
Students will need about 15–20 minutes to complete this brief constructed response.
Prompt 1:
Variations among species are larger among plants and animals than any other kingdoms. What
these two kingdoms share in common is sexual reproduction. Describe in detail how sexual
reproduction creates such variation with focus on the cellular aspect of gametes.
Correct response(s):
Sample Correct Response: Variation is created because offspring receive one of each gene
from each of the parents. The joining of gametes from a sperm and an egg is required for
this to happen. Every gamete contains a different set of genes. Sexual reproduction requires
both a male and female in order for it to occur.
Response scoring tool:
Content
Score
Response correctly identifies; variation is created because offspring
3
receive one of each gene from each of the parents; a joining of gametes
from a sperm and an egg is required for this to happen, and every
gamete contains a different set of genes; sexual reproduction requires
both a male and female in order for it to occur.
Response correctly identifies; variation is created due to one gene
2
contributed from each parent; gametes will join from the parents to make
an offspring
Response correctly identifies; variation is due to genes being offered
1
from both of the parents.
No response, or response not appropriate to the question.
0
Brief-Constructed Response: Concept Name
© 2010 Discovery Education
Page 1 of 3
Brief-Constructed Response
Sexual Reproduction
Teacher Guide
Prompt 2:
In the Hands-On Activity Pathway to Pollination, you used a local field guide, safety gloves,
and forceps to collect samples of flowers. Explain how these items are used, and why they
are appropriate for a field investigation.
Correct response(s):
Sample Correct Response: The field guide was used to identify the plants, while the safety
gloves and forceps were used to handle the plants. When collecting samples in the field, it is
important to use a field guide in order to identify organisms that are not poisonous or toxic.
The use of safety gloves and forceps can prevent injury from insects or sharp structures on
plants, as well as prevent pollen or other secreted chemicals from coming in contact with the
skin.
Response scoring tool:
Content
Score
Response identifies; the field guide was used to identify the plants, while
3
the safety gloves and forceps were used to handle the plants. When
collecting samples in the field, it is important to use a field guide in order
to identify organisms that are not poisonous or toxic. The use of safety
gloves and forceps can prevent injury from insects or sharp structures on
plants, as well as prevent pollen or other secreted chemicals from coming
in contact with the skin.
Response correctly identifies; the field guide was used to identify the
2
plants, while the safety gloves and forceps were used to handle the
plants. When collecting samples in the field, it is important to use a field
guide in order to identify organisms that are not poisonous or toxic. The
use of safety gloves and forceps can prevent injury from insects or sharp
structures on plants.
Response correctly identifies; the field guide was used to identify the
1
plants, while the safety gloves and forceps were used to handle the
plants.
No response, or response not appropriate to the question.
0
Brief-Constructed Response: Concept Name
© 2010 Discovery Education
Page 2 of 3
Brief-Constructed Response
Sexual Reproduction
Teacher Guide
Prompt 3:
In the activity, you also may have used a digital camera to collect information and make
observations in the field. Explain how a digital camera was used in the activity, and why it is
a more appropriate choice than just a hand lens or microscope.
Correct response(s):
Sample Correct Response: Digital cameras were used to take photos of plants before they
were dissected or examined under a microscope. They are a more appropriate choice than
just a hand lens or microscope because they produce permanent images of a moment in
time, and provide a visual that is quick and easy to access.
Response scoring tool:
Content
Score
Response correctly identifies; digital cameras were used to take photos
3
of plants before they were dissected or examined under a microscope.
They are a more appropriate choice than just a hand lens microscope
because they produce permanent images of a moment in time, and
provide a visual that is quick and easy to access.
Response correctly identifies; digital cameras were used to take photos
2
of plants before they were dissected or examined under a microscope.
They are a more appropriate choice than just a hand lens or microscope
because they produce permanent images of a moment in time.
Response correctly identifies; digital cameras were used to take photos
1
of plants before they were dissected or examined under a microscope.
No response, or response not appropriate to the question.
0
Teacher Notes:
Brief-Constructed Response: Concept Name
© 2010 Discovery Education
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