Learning Goal Three - Weather Exemplar (Focus: Scientific Inquiry)

Scientists use tools and technology to study patterns and trends within systems. Scientific inquiry moves through cycles of questioning, data collection, analysis, interpretation and publication.

Weather Folklore Task We have been contacted by a team of editors from the Farmers Almanac. They are updating their materials in preparation for publication of a new almanac edition. You have been tasked with using the scientific process to determine the validity of a variety of traditional Weather Folklores. Each of you will choose a piece of folklore to research and test over the next 3 weeks. At the end of this time each of you will submit a report of your findings to the Farmers Almanac editing team. Your report will be assessed based on the following criteria: Clear application and careful use of scientific process skills associated with experimental design o o o o asking researchable questions and developing research plans gathering and organizing data over time analyzing data in order to . . . developing conclusions and generalizations based on data and research

Careful attention to, and use of, a variety of time management and goals setting (short and long term) tools.

Weather Exemplar Rubric Student Name: ________________________________________

Expert Independently choose and implemented a variety of appropriate goal setting and time management tools. (Checklists, rubrics, calendars, selfassessments/ reflection) Independently developed a hypothesis wellsubstantiated by a literature review and observation of similar phenomena. Procedures explained clearly and could be understood by everyone. Practitioner Independently choose and used goal setting and time management tools from a variety offered by the teacher. Apprentice Used specific tools provided by teacher for specific tasks & goals. Novice Tools provided by teacher were inconsistently used or not used at all.

CATEGORY Gifted students will utilize time management skills in planning, implementing, and completing complex tasks.

Hypothesis Development asking researchable questions

Description of Procedure developing research plans

Data Collection gathering and organizing data over time

Data was collected regularly, methodically and according to plans throughout the entire collection period. The data collected is thoughtfully described using the language of a mathematician. The relationship between the variables is discussed and trends/patterns logically analyzed. Student provided a detailed conclusion clearly based on the data and related to previous research findings and the hypothesis statement(s).

Independently developed a hypothesis somewhat substantiated by a literature review and observation of similar phenomena. Procedures were explained that could be followed by anyone without additional explanations. Some adult help was needed to accomplish this. Data was collected at several points following the basic plan.

Independently developed a hypothesis somewhat substantiated by a literature review or observation of similar phenomena. Procedures were explained but had gaps that require explanation even after adult feedback had been given. Data was collected intermittently during the collection period.

Needed adult assistance to develop a hypothesis or to do a basic literature review.

Procedures that were seriously incomplete or not sequential, even after adult feedback had been given.

Analysis of Data analyzing data in order to recognize mathematical patterns and trends

The data collected is described. Basic connections are made about the relationship between the variables.

Uses only a little of the information in the data chart to explain the findings of the experiment. No connections are offered about the relationship between the variables.

Not enough data was collected in order to move forward in the project. Student was given data to use for analysis & conclusion. Information from the data chart to explain the findings of the experiment is not used adequately or inaccurately.

Conclusion/ Generalizations developing conclusions and generalizations based on based on data and research

The conclusion connects the data to the hypothesis statement and research findings.

A basic connection between data and hypothesis statement is made.

No conclusion was apparent OR important details were overlooked.