PALM - Administration Procedures

8th Grade Performance Task
Contributed by: Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS)

Description:

Students investigate what would happen to the length of a rubber band as more and more rings were hung on it.

Overall Task Content Area:

Physical Science

Specific Knowledge Areas:

Performance Expectations:

using a 30 cm ruler to measure the length of rubber bands
creating tables and a graph to represent data
using observations to make conjectures about possible trends

National Science Education Standards:

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics:

Algebra Standard 1:Understand patterns, relations, and functions.

a. sort, classify, and order objects by size, number, and other properties

Measurement Standard 2: Apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements.

c. use tools to measure

Data Analysis and Probability Standards 3: Develop and evaluate inferences and predictions that are based on data.

b. propose and justify conclusions and predictions that are based on data and design studies to further investigate the conclusions or predictions

General Instructions to the Teacher:

This task is designed to take students approximately 1 class period.

Students will be working individually during this exercise.

Students should be ready to work as soon as the period begins. The materials should be set out at each lab station, if possible. A central supply area, if needed, should be easily accessible. All supplies should be clearly labeled.

Materials for "Rubber Band":

At each station students should have:

A clipboard with a rubber band
A large paper clip attached to one end of the rubber band
Metal rings to hang on the large paper clip
30 cm ruler
Some sheets of plain paper
2 sheets of graph or squared paper

Advance Preparation:

None required.

Safety:

Be careful.
Teachers and students should always exercise appropriate safety precautions and utilize appropriate laboratory safety procedures and equipment when working on science performance tasks.