Score Level 1 Anchor Paper

This response demonstrates some understanding of the question. The independent variable is correctly identified (thistle, sunflower and corn). Procedural steps (put the three different seeds out; see which one the birds go to first) and data recording are minimal (record how much they eat). The data that would support the hypothesis is vague (the data from the experiment).

Score Level 1 Anchor Paper

This response demonstrates some understanding of the question, providing an appropriate hypothesis (If I put out thistle seeds, sunflower seeds, and corn seeds, then the birds will eat the thistle seeds the most). Although the independent variable is given (types of seeds), it is not identified as such, and no dependent variable is provided. The procedure (put each of the seeds in separate petri dishes), data collection (see which dish has been most emptied), and support for the hypothesis (the finches eat thistle seeds the most) are minimally effective.

Score Level 2 Anchor Paper

This response demonstrates a basic understanding of the question. The hypothesis is a testable statement (the goldfinches will go for the thistle more than the other types of food). Although the student lists a few variables (# of goldfinches in area; location), none of them are independent or dependent variables in this experiment. The procedures are listed with adequate supporting detail, including several controls (3 identical bird feeders; in the same tree; same amount of each food) and some specifics (2 hours in the morning; 4 days). Data collection also provides adequate supporting detail by depicting a sample data table. The student ties the data to the hypothesis (the most birds go to the thistle feeder than the others). Overall, the supporting details are adequate.

Score Level 2 Anchor Paper

This response demonstrates a basic understanding of the question. The hypothesis is acceptable (If a goldfinch eats more of the thistle seed then that signifies that particular seed is the favorite), and the independent variable (seeds) and the dependent variable (amount of seeds the birds eat) are correct. The experimental procedure includes a control (same amount in each), and the data to be recorded refers to the quantity of seed actually eaten (the amount taken from the tray). The student links the results of the experiment to the hypothesis (whichever seed was populary chosen by the birds which makes the amount the greatest). Overall, supporting details are adequate.

Score Level 3 Anchor Paper

This response demonstrates a good understanding of the question. The hypothesis is an acceptable testable statement (Thistles will attract goldfinches the most). The independent variable (amount of food) and the dependent variable (amount of finches attracted) are specified. A good understanding of experimental design, such as control and repeat trials, is demonstrated in the procedure (same amount; space out the feeders equally; Repeat for at least two more times to get accurate results). Data collection is addressed (Observe the amount of finches that are attracted to each and record). The relationship of data to the hypothesis is specified (amount of goldfinches that come to the thistle bird feeder will support her hypothesis). Overall, the supporting details are generally complete.

Score Level 3 Anchor Paper

This response demonstrates a good understanding of the question. The hypothesis is clear, specific, and testable (If I place thistle, sunflower, and corn out for the goldfinches, then they will eat more of the thistle because thistle was the food they ate during the summer). The independent variable (type of food) and dependent variable (amount of each type of food eaten) are correct. Generally complete details are provided in the procedure (exactly two cups of each type of food; put it out in the morning; remeasure … at the end of the day), and the student explicitly mentions repeat trials (continue her experiment each day for a month). Data collection is specified (date; amount of food not eaten by the birds each day). The data results are clearly related to the hypothesis (If there was less thistle each day it would prove that the thistle was the goldfinches favorite food). Generally complete details support the response.

Score Level 4 Anchor Paper

This response demonstrates a full and complete understanding of the question. The hypothesis is precise, detailed, and testable (If I put 5 cups of each type of seed in different feeders for seven days, then, at the end of seven days, there will be less thistle seeds). In listing the independent variable (three different types of seed) and the dependent variable (the result of the experiment, such as the fact that goldfinches eat more thistle seeds), the student also demonstrates the understanding that experimental results are reflected by the dependent variable. The procedures demonstrate full and complete details (5 cups; same tree; close to each other; easily accessible; every day; end of a week). Data collection is also detailed (measure the different amounts of each seed left; using a graph or chart). The student clearly integrates the relationship of data to the hypothesis (Goldfinches eat thistle seeds more than sunflower or corn seeds, therefore the hypothesis was supported; there were less thistle seeds than the other seeds).

Score Level 4 Anchor Paper

This response demonstrates a full and complete understanding of the question. The hypothesis reflects an observable result (If we offer goldfinches equal amount of thistle, sunflower, and corn seeds, then the goldfinches will eat more of the thistle seeds). Independent and dependent variables are correct (type of seed; amount of seeds eaten). Complete details are provided in the procedure (10 ounces; repeat process for sunflower and corn seeds; label the petri dishes; wait 24 hours). Attention to experimental controls is provided by specifying the 10 ounces of seeds each and the placement of dishes (equally accessible by gold finches). A good understanding of experimental procedure is demonstrated (Repeat each day for 3 days). A complete data chart is provided to illustrate appropriate data collection. The student clearly integrates the relationship of data to the hypothesis (The data would support her hypothesis if after each day the amount of thistle seeds remaining weighs the least of the 3 types of seeds).