The Global Sun/Temperature Project

Overview

    In this project students are asked to collect, graph, and analyze data, and form conclusions about a scientific experiment.  They are also asked to examine cultural differences related to architecture or holiday observances in different parts of the world based on their correspondence with other students participating in this project.  Classes are asked to submit a final report to the project explaining what they've learned in doing the project.  Below are two suggested strategies that can be used to assess students' performance in the Global Sun/Temperature Project.

Assessment Example #1 (Recommended)

    One way to assess students’ performance in this project is to assess the material that they are asked to produce during the course of the project. For example, a teacher could assess the accuracy of the data they collect and the ability of the student to construct a proper graph.  A teacher could also assess how accurate a student's conclusions were based on the data they analyzed.  Additionally, a teacher could assess the language arts component of this project by asking students to write an essay explaining what they have learned about how climate affects the architecture or holiday customs of a particular region.  In this model, the actual work that the student produces for the project provides the basis for assessing what the student has learned.  Please click on the link above to see a guideline for implementing this type of assessment.

Assessment Example #2 (More Traditional)

    In this type of assessment, students are asked to apply what they've learned in the project to a new situation.  Specifically, since the students have been studying how latitude affects temperature and the amount of daylight, they will be asked to predict the temperature and daylight in a different location, based on sample data which they will analyze.  Please click on the link above to see sample data and questions that might be given to a student.

Assessment Links

Additional information about assessment and rubrics can be found at the links below:

• Kathy Schrock’s Guide for Assessment Rubrics
• Rubrics for Web Lessons
• List of Rubric Links
• Performance Assessment Links in Science (PALS)

Project Home Page