The following 4 Sample Student Responses represent a range of score points.

Score for Sample Student Response #1: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: There is evidence in this response that the student has a basic understanding of the question. The ecological roles of the two species are identified (producer → consumer) and explained (snails most likely feed on algae; this would be why the snail population is so greatly affected by the algae). Ecological factors are listed (less precipitation; not enough sunlight) that may affect population sizes (the two species may have decreased). The student also addresses how both populations would be affected by a landfill (die; algae would not be able to grow and snails wouldn't be able to live without food). The supporting details are adequate. (Compare to this Level 2 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #2: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: There is evidence in this response that the student has some understanding of the question. The student interprets information from the graph (population increases and decreases at the same time). The student makes a statement relevant to ecological roles and trophic levels (one is living off the other; it would make much more sence for the snail to be living off of the algae). The student does not explain ecological factors or how both populations would be affected by a landfill. The supporting details are only minimally effective. (Compare to this Level 1 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #3: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: There is evidence in this response that the student has a good understanding of the question. The student correctly identifies the ecological roles of the snail (consumers who feed on the algae) and the algae (producers). Two ecological factors (sunlight; water level [rainfall]) are given, and their effect on population sizes (algae will decrease causing the snail population to decrease; the algae needs to photosynthesize...in order to live; water is necessary as a habitat and for photosynthesis) is explained. The student addresses how both populations would be affected by a landfill (release harmful toxins into the habitats killing off the population; would need to get an adaptation…or become extinct). The supporting details are generally complete throughout. The use of accurate scientific terminology (consumers; producers; photosynthesis; habitat; adaptation) strengthens the response. (Compare to this Level 3 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #4: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: There is evidence in this response that the student has a full and complete understanding of the question. Pertinent and complete supporting details demonstrate an integration of ideas throughout the response. The ecological roles are identified and explained (role of the algae is to produce energy/food; of the snail is to eat the algae so that bigger organisms can survive; as the algae population increases so does the snails because there is more of the food that they eat; when the algae population decreases there is less food so more snails die, thus the population decreases). Complete synthesis is demonstrated in the discussion of ecological factors including the amount of sunlight (the amount of plants, trees, or other photosynthetic organisms that would block the sunlight from the sun; this would cause the algae population to decrease, thus the snail population would) and the effect of predators (a predator of the snail being introduced into the lake, the snails would get eaten, thus less snails, so the algae population would increase). The effect of a landfill on the population of each species is addressed (it would most likely block out the sun; algae would start to die and the snails would follow; toxins would go into the water and kill many organisms including most likely the algae and snail; lake pH level also might change to one that is not good for the organisms in the lake). The use of accurate scientific terminology (producer; photosynthetic organisms; pH level) enhances the response. The response reflects a complete synthesis of information. (Compare to this Level 4 anchor paper.)

Anchor Papers used in scoring