The following 20 Sample Student Responses represent a range of score points.

Score for Sample Student Response #1: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response demonstrates some understanding of the problem. Biotic factors are briefly listed (bacteria and Dead organic Matter). The abiotic factor given is incorrect (algae). The loss of energy up the food web is stated (by the time everything gets to the Heron it would only have received a very small amount of energy from what the crab and shrimp or the snapper; the crab or shrimp which only gets a small percentage of the energy), but the transfer mechanism is not part of the discussion. Trophic levels and the disappearance of the heron population are not addressed. Overall, supporting details are only minimally effective. (Compare to this Level 1 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #2: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response demonstrates a good understanding of the problem. Factors affecting the heron are listed but not identified as biotic or abiotic (populations, conditions of the wetland environment). The trophic levels are identified (algae … producers; shrimp are the first level consumers [herbivores]; bacteria are decomposers). Energy transfer is discussed at each trophic level (Energy is created by the Algae; 10% of the shrimp's energy is transferred to the crab or the snapper when it eats the shrimp; the Heron … receives 10% of their energy). Synthesis of information is demonstrated in the explanation of the effect of the heron's disappearance (the snapper population will rise greatly. The crab population will not have as dramatic a rise because they will be preyed on by the larger snapper population). Terminology strengthens the response (herbivores; decomposers; consumers). Overall, supporting details are generally complete. (Compare to this Level 3 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #3: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response demonstrates a full and complete understanding of the problem. Biotic factors are named (The snapper, the crab, the shrimp …). Abiotic factors are named (… climate, sunlight, and nutrients) and synthesis is demonstrated by adding a specific effect (wrong amounts of sunlight … could kill the bacteria, algea …). All trophic levels are identified, including details such as being classified at different levels depending on what it eats (depending on whether the heron eats the crab or the snapper, it is a consumer 2 or 3). Energy transfer is fully described through the web including expenditure of energy (The shrimp and crab eat the algae and recieve its energy; Each level must consume for because its prey uses some energy it recieved from the lower level). Synthesis of information is demonstrated through the effects of the heron's disappearance (The whole web would be affected. Crab and snapper populations would increases until they consumed all of the shrimp, algae; bacteria, shrimp, and algae could no longer support the crab and snapper so their populations would decrease and the shrimp, bacteria, and algae populations would increase). (Compare to this Level 4 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #4: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response demonstrates a basic understanding of the problem. The trophic levels are listed (from top to bottom are the heron, then the snapper, then the crab …). The student explains how energy transfer relates to eating (The energy is transferred … by the snapper eating the crab; … the animals are transferring the energy to the animal eating them). The effect of the heron's disappearance is explained (more snapper which would mean they would need more to eat so there would be less crabs and shrimps) and includes a long-term effect (some species in the ecosystem could become extincit). Overall, supporting details are adequate. (Compare to this Level 2 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #5: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response demonstrates a good understanding of the problem. A biotic factor is named and supported with an explanation demonstrating synthesis of information (all the other organisms. If they decrease, the heron could starve, but if they increase to much, the heron could over populate causing the carrying capacity to be reached and then the population would be in danger again). Abiotic factors are named and explained (floods; which would make the water much deeper and harder to get to fish and crabs; construction … could wipe out a population). Trophic levels are addressed (The algae are producers and make food). The energy discussion explains the transfer mechanism, the flow, and identifies the decrease in each level (The algae … have the most energy, so the shrimp and crab eat them getting only 10% of their energy. The crab eats the shrimp, along with the snapper which also eats the crab who gets eaten by the heron as well as the snapper). The heron's disappearance is explained including short-term and long-term effects (the snapper and crab population would increase dramatically causing the shrimp to die off; Eventually the snapper would become over populated and die off). Overall, details are generally complete.

Score for Sample Student Response #6: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response demonstrates some understanding of the problem. The energy flow is implied through the food chain (The shrimp eats the algae; snapper eats the shrimp; heron then eats the snapper; crab eats the bacteria; snapper eats the crab; heron eats the crab). The effect of the disappearance of the heron is addressed (… there would be too many snappers and crabs). Trophic levels and biotic and abiotic factors are not addressed. The supporting details are only minimally effective. (Compare to this Level 1 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #7: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response demonstrates a basic understanding of the problem. Examples of biotic factors are given (the living things on the web). Abiotic factors are named (pollution levels in the air and water; lose of habitat). Energy transfer is implied in the trophic level discussion (bacteria and Dead organic matter are eaten by crabs and shrimp, making them scavengers and 1^st level consumers, herbivores, because they eat algae the producers; snapper eats the crab and shrimp making him the 2^nd level consumer, carnivore; heron is top dog 3^rd level consumer). The heron's disappearance is described including short-term and long-term effects (the crab and snappers would grow and eat all the food and then go extinct from lack of food and competition). More details about energy flow are needed for a higher score. Overall, the supporting details are adequate. (Compare to this Level 2 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #8: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response demonstrates a full and complete understanding of the problem. Biotic factors (snapper; shrimp, algae, crab, & bacteria) and abiotic factors (sunlight, temperature) are listed along with the definition of abiotic (non-living). Discussion of energy transfer and trophic levels integrates these ideas (energy is transferred from the 1° producer [algae], all the way through all the consumers [crab, shrimp, snapper, & heron]). The complete energy cycle is explained through the trophic levels (1° producer → 1° consumer → 2° consumer → 3° consumer → top level consumer → decomposer). Cause and effect is used to explain the effect of the disappearing heron (more crab & snappers living because the heron wouldn't be able to eat them). Synthesis is shown in the recognition of long-term effects (populations would reach equilibrium). (Compare to this Level 4 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #9: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response demonstrates a basic understanding of the problem. Trophic levels are described (The algae and bacteria & dead organic matter are the lowest trophic level, followed by the shrimp, then the next level is the snapper & crab, and the highest level is the heron). Correct terms are then used to further explain trophic levels (The heron is the carnivore consumer; algae are the producers. The shrimp and crab are herbivore consumers; the snapper is a carnivore consumer). The energy transfer mechanism is identified (they consume each other, or consume energy [or food supply needed]). The effect of the heron's disappearance is described (there would be a vast majority of snappers and crab). Overall, the supporting details are adequate.

Score for Sample Student Response #10: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response demonstrates a full and complete understanding of the problem. Biotic factors are listed (heron, shrimp, snapper, crab, and algae and bacteria). Abiotic factors are listed and defined (non-living, factors include the rocks, shells, stones, and the temperature of the environment). The trophic levels are integrated with the feeding habits of web organisms (algae is the main producer; first trophic level … shrimp and crabs, which feed on the producers. The second trophic level consists of the crab and snapper which feed on shrimp and other crabs). The energy transfer is fully described from its origin (the most energy starting off with the producers) to its loss (only 10 percent of the original energy is transferred to the next level, causing 90 percent to be lost at each level). Short-term effects of the loss of the heron are explained (the snapper would become highly overpopulated as a result of having no predators), as are long-term effects, demonstrating synthesis of information (a significant decrease in the populations of all other organisms … possibly even wiping them out completely).

Score for Sample Student Response #11: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response demonstrates a basic understanding of the problem. Biotic factors are named (the snapper; the crab; the shrimp …). Trophic levels are identified (crab & the shrimp are the primary consumers; crab, snapper, & heron are secondary consumers and the heron is also a tertiary consumer). The mechanism of energy transfer is identified (The energy is transferred between the organisms by eating them). Energy flow is discussed (The sun gives energy to the producers; The energy decreases 90% each time it is transferred). The disappearance of the heron is explained in general terms (the population will grow; cause the organisms to die off), and greater specificity in the support is needed for a higher score. Overall, supporting details are adequate. (Compare to this Level 2 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #12: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response demonstrates some understanding of the problem. Biotic factors are explained (predators who have the same food source such as a snapper, who feeds on crab, just like the heron). An abiotic factor is named (a change in environment). Trophic levels are incorrectly labeled (bacteria is 6 …). The mechanism of energy transfer is explained (by food because they all feed on another member of the web). The effect of the disappearance of the heron is either vague (the snapper would be affected) or does not address the given food web (heron's predators … would lack a food source). Overall, the supporting details are only minimally effective. (Compare to this Level 1 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #13: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response demonstrates a good understanding of the problem. Trophic levels are identified (alge, bacteria … are the producers. The shrimp and crab are the prey or herbivores. The snapper & heron are the consumers or predators, although the Heron is the top predator). The energy discussion addresses the mechanism of transfer and loss (the flow of energy is decreased every time an organism is eaten) and the source of energy (from the sun, which is converted by photosynthesis). Energy flow is described (once the crab & shrimp eat the alge … the energy level is decreased 10%. once the snapper eats the shrimp, or crab, the energy level is once again, decreased). Some synthesis of information is shown in the explanation of the effect of the heron's disappearance (The snapper population would increase, which makes its food source, the shrimp & crab, decrease; alge, bacteria & dead org matter will over populate). Overall, supporting details are generally complete. (Compare to this Level 3 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #14: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response demonstrates some understanding of the problem. The trophic levels are implied by the eating habits (bacteria and Algae are consumed by the crabs and shrimp which are then consumed by the snapper; Heron which consumes the snapper or crab). The effect of the disappearance of the heron is described (There would be an increase in the snapper population and decrease in all the other species) and some explanation (because the snapper would be eating all the other species). Biotic and abiotic factors and energy flow are not addressed. Overall, supporting details are only minimally effective. (Compare to this Level 1 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #15: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response demonstrates a full and complete understanding of the problem. Biotic factors are defined (living organisms) and named (crabs, snapper fish, shrimp, algae). Abiotic factors are defined (nonliving organisms) and named (sunlight; water). Energy and trophic levels are integrated into one discussion (secondary consumer that eats primary consumers for energy). The trophic levels are completely defined with appropriate terms (first, and largest trophic level … algae are autotrophs [producers] that can make their own food; second trophic level … are primary consumers [heterotrophs] which eat producers). one incorrect detail (Bacteria … are autotrophs [producers]) does not detract from the overall response. The mechanism for transferring energy is given (eat producers to get energy; eat both primary and secondary consumers for energy). The energy discussion includes the loss of energy (Each trophic level up [1–4] 90% of the energy from the organisms is lost to the environment). The effects of the disappearance of the heron are described (it would effect the ecosystems biodiversity and organisms would overpopulate; the snapper fish would overpopulate; the number of shrimp would decrease). Terminology enhances the response (biodiversity, overpopulate, heterotrophs).

Score for Sample Student Response #16: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response demonstrates a basic understanding of the problem. Biotic factors are named (snapper, crab, shrimp, and algae). Trophic levels are identified and described with eating habits (heron eats the snapper and the crab; heron would be the top-level consumer and the snapper are the 3° consumers, shrimp is the 2° consumer). The effects of the heron's disappearance are explained (That would leave much more fish and crabs. Then there would be less shrimp and algae because so many snappers and crabs would be feeding on them). Overall, supporting details are adequate. Additional details about the flow of energy are needed for a higher score.

Score for Sample Student Response #17: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response demonstrates a full and complete understanding of the problem. Biotic factors are named (organisms that it eats … like snapper and crab) and explained (If the number of these organisms were to decrease … there wouldn't be enough food). Abiotic factors are named (temperature, pH of the water & precipitation). Energy and trophic levels are integrated in the response. Trophic levels are described (algae are the producers … 1^st trophic level; shrimp & crab are on the 2^nd trophic level and are primary consumers). Terms are used correctly and explained (herbivores because they eat the producers which are plants; decomposers which break down dead organisms). The energy transfer discussion begins with the source (the sun by performing photosynthesis) and discusses energy loss (The producers have the most energy, and only 10% is passed on to each trophic level). Short-term effects of the disappearance of the heron are described (would be too many snappers & crabs) and a long-term effect is also described (which would lead to a decrease in shrimp and algae). Equilibrium is suggested (snappers and crabs would reach the wetland's carrying capacity and would die down due to starvation), showing further depth of understanding. (Compare to this Level 4 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #18: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response demonstrates a good understanding of the problem. Biotic and abiotic factors are named and defined (biotic … are the things that would eat the fish that are living; abiotic factors are the non living factors like temperature and space that affect the fish wich affects the Heron). Trophic levels are identified (Heron is a top level consumer the Bacteria … is the decomposer the1° producer is Algae and the 1° consumer is shrimp or crab and the 2° consumer is the snapper). The energy loss up the food web is addressed (The bottom producer has more energy as you go up the energy gradually decreases to the top level consumer has the least amount of energy). The effect of the heron's disappearance is explained (the snapper population would increase and the lower animals on the food web would decrease). Some synthesis of information is demonstrated by the long-term effect after the initial increase (then causing the snapper to decrease in the end). More details about the flow of energy within the food web and more integration, especially in describing the effects of the heron's sudden disappearance, are required for a higher score. (Compare to this Level 3 anchor paper.)

Score for Sample Student Response #19: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response demonstrates some understanding of the problem. Examples of biotic and abiotic factors are provided (biotic factors are the things the heron eats and abiotic factors are water). Some correct trophic levels are identified (The shrimp and crab are primary consumers. The crab can also be a secondary consumer as well as the snapper. The heron at the top is the treciary consumer). The effect of the heron's disappearance is described in general terms (other organisms could eat the heron's food or the secondary consumers would be at the top). Overall, supporting details are only minimally effective.

Score for Sample Student Response #20: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response demonstrates a good understanding of the problem. Biotic factors are named and explained (the bacteria, the algae, the crabs, the shrimp and the snapper. Without these factors the heron would have a decrease in the source of food or energy). Abiotic factors are also named and explained (climate as in temperature, precipitation maybe the water. If the water was poluted the heron population would probably decrease). Trophic levels are identified (producers which are the … algea then the primary consumers the crab and shrimp; secondary consumers the snapper and heron; the heron could be a third consumer). Energy flow is described (going from the bacteria or algae to the shrimp or crab then the snapper and finally the heron; Each trophic level as it goes up the pyramid only receives 10% of the energy of the previous level). The effects of the heron's disappearance are stated (increase of snappers and crabs do to their decrease in predators; the shrimp population will decrease do to their increase in predators). Overall, supporting details are generally complete. Additional details are needed for a higher score, such as a more complete discussion of energy loss (only receives 10% of the energy). (Compare to this Level 3 anchor paper.)

Anchor Papers used in scoring