Science Assessment Map – Sample at 4.75
Globes in circuits
Context
Students were asked to construct circuits as shown in circuit diagrams using the equipment provided. They observed any variation to the brightness of globes in the circuits and measured the currents. Students were then asked to complete a worksheet ‘Globes in Circuits’. The task required students to construct closed circuits using a battery or other energy source, switches and resistors. Students were with familiar the terms voltage, current and resistance and had experience measuring the current using an ammeter. Students were given two 40 minute classes (1 circuit in each class) to complete the task. Students worked in pairs to construct the circuits (with teacher assistance if required), but completed the worksheet individually.
The element of the Science knowledge and understanding Level 5 standard addressed by the task is:
Students … (describe) energy and change …
The elements of the Science at work Level 5 standard addressed by the task are:
Students justify … conclusions drawn against the prediction or hypothesis investigated.
Students make and use models … to interpret and explain observations.
(Students) make systematic observations and interpret recorded data appropriately …
Sample
The following work sample, and the related Science 4.75 progression point examples, illustrate the kinds of responses that students produce as they progress towards the Level 5 standard.
CIRCUIT ONE
Step 1: Set up Circuit One, the circuit shown in this diagram.
Step 2: Close Switch 1 and open Switch 2.
1. Record the current showing on the ammeter in the Results Table below. Also record the brightness of Globe 1 and Globe 2 (high, low or none).
Step 3: Open Switch 1 and close Switch 2.
2. With both switches in the positions in Step 3, are the globes in Circuit One connected in series or in parallel? Explain how you can tell.
3. Record the current showing on the ammeter. Also record the brightness of Globe 1 and Globe 2 (high, low or none).
4a. Compare the results obtained in Step 2 and Step 3. Describe any differences in the current in, and brightness of, Globe 1.
4b. If Switch 1 were closed and Switch 2 were open (Step 2) in Circuit One, predict what would happen to the brightness of Globe 1 if the voltage of the source were increased.
Globe 1 
Explain your prediction.
4c. If Switch 1 were open and Switch 2 were closed (Step 3) in Circuit One, predict what would happen to the brightness of the globes if the voltage of the source were increased.
Globe 1 
Globe 2 
Explain your prediction.
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CIRCUIT TWO
Step1: Set up Circuit Two, the circuit shown in this diagram.
5. Record the current showing on the ammeter in the Results Table below. Also record the brightness of Globe 1 and Globe 2 (high, low or none).
Step 2: Close Switch 1 and open Switch 2.
Step 3: Close Switch 1 and close Switch 2.
6. With both switches in the positions in Step 3, are the globes in Circuit Two connected in series or in parallel? Explain how you can tell.
7. Record the current showing on the ammeter. Also record the brightness of Globe 1 and Globe 2 (high, low or none).
8a. Compare the results obtained in Step 2 and Step 3. Describe any differences in the current in current for Globe 1.
How does the brightness of Globe 2 compare to Globe 1?
8b. If Switches 1 and 2 were closed in Circuit Two (Step 3), and the voltage of the source were increased, predict what would happen to the current in, and brightness of, each globe.
View text version
Annotation
Science knowledge an understanding – 4.75
Circuit 1
- Identifies the nature of some energy changes in electronic circuits.
- Explains accurately predictions about brightness of globes in relation to increasing voltage.
- Does not distinguish between current and voltage as shown by using the term ‘electricity’ to answer Question 2.
Circuit 2
- Identifies the nature of some energy changes in electric circuits.
- Predicts accurately the relative change of current in each globe when voltage is increased, but not clear from answer whether the brightness of the globes was considered by the student.
- Refers to one energy source which is not unique to parallel circuits when answering Question 6.
- Does not demonstrate understanding of the differences between series and parallel circuits.
Science at work – 4.75
Circuit 1
- Records measurements appropriately.
- Uses the measurements and prior knowledge/understanding of circuits to answer most questions correctly.
- Interprets and explains observations made from constructed model.
- Bases predictions for Question 4b and 4c on previous observations and knowledge.
Circuit 2
- Records measurements correctly.
- Applies prior knowledge/understanding of circuitry to answer Questions 5 and 7 accurately.
- Makes accurate predictions based on previous observations and knowledge to answer Question 8.
- Interprets and explains observations made from constructed model.
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