Biology Majors Outcome 1. Demonstrate Competency in Using Laboratory Equipment
Biology 14. Option 1. Assess using: Computerized Thermoregulation Lab Exercise
Action |
Assessment |
Passing |
|
(P/F Ten pt for each activity successfully completed) |
|
Turn on and boot up computer. |
10 |
9.5 |
Follow path to enter PASCO exercise on thermoregulation. |
10 |
9.5 |
Set up and correctly connect 2 Temperature Sensors to the computer interface box and the subject. |
10 |
9 |
Display empty graph on computer monitor to begin data collection. |
10 |
9.5 |
Start data collection. With no skin contact, record for 2 minutes. Then record for 4 minutes with fan. Allow sensors to acclimate to air temperature. Stop data collection. |
10 |
9 |
Repeat above cell procedure for direct skin contact. |
10 |
9 |
Repeat above cell procedure for hand in glove. |
10 |
9 |
Print graph with results. |
10 |
9 |
Analyze data – determine maximum and minimum temperatures for each condition. |
10 |
8 |
Correctly dismantle peripheral Pasco hardware. |
10 |
9.5 |
Log off and shut down computer. |
10 |
9.5 |
TOTAL POINTS |
110 |
100.5 Passing |
Expectation: 85% will pass
Biology Majors Outcome 1. Demonstrate Competency in Using Laboratory Equipment
Biology 14. Option 2. Assess using: Computerized Transpiration Lab Exercise
Action |
Assessment |
Passing |
|
(P/F Ten pt for each activity successfully completed) |
|
Turn on and boot up computer. |
10 |
9.5 |
Follow path to enter PASCO exercise on
transpiration. |
10 |
9.5 |
Set up and correctly connect Low Pressure Sensor to computer interface box. |
10 |
9 |
Correctly connect a small plant piece to the Low Pressure Sensor. |
10 |
8 |
Display empty graph on computer monitor to begin data collection. |
10 |
9.5 |
Start data collection. Record for 8 minutes. Stop data collection. |
10 |
9.5 |
Print graph with results. |
10 |
9 |
Analyze data – determine rate of transpiration. |
10 |
8 |
Correctly dismantle peripheral hardware. |
10 |
9.5 |
Log off and shut down computer. |
10 |
9.5 |
TOTAL POINTS |
100 |
91
Passing |
Expectation: 91% will pass
Biology Majors Outcome 2. Writing a Lab Report
Biology 14. Assess using: Field Trip Report
Instructions to Students:
In a three page report, using the information contained in the Field Trip handouts, write a comparative description of the two ecosystems (Plumb Beach and Fort Tilden). This comparison should include the similarities and differences between the area ecosystems, using both living things and abiotic factors. The report should be organized in scientific format. Your hypothesis about the relationship between the two sites should be supported by data from the trips.
Components and Maximum Points for each Component
Title (5 pts)
Introduction (15 pts)
The objective of the trip.
Construct and present hypotheses that relate the ecosystems of the two sites.
Materials and Methods (15 pts)
For each abiotic measurement taken, describe the equipment you used, and the kind of result you expect. For each organism you identify, describe the way you found out its name and characteristics.
Results (20 pts)
Point out the main differences in the organisms living in each location, as related to the area's abiotic factors. To do so, construct a food chain and/or food web for an ecosystem at each location. For each ecosystem, place the organisms you have identified in the corresponding trophic levels.
Discussion and Conclusion (40 pts)
Using your results, discuss the reasons for the presence and absence of organisms in the two ecosystems. Include information about the adaptation of organisms to their environment. Draw a conclusion. Support or reject your hypotheses.
Appendix (5 pts) Copy and submit pages 9-13 from the handout.
Passing: 80 pts
Expectation: 80% of students will pass
Biology Majors Outcome 6. Demonstrate competency in Problem Solving.
Biology 14. Assess using: Hypothetical Planet Project
Evaluate organisms designed for the Hypothetical Planet Project for their fitness to the planet created for that semester.
- Plant has been created to respond properly to the following conditions on the hypothetical planet
a. water use and/or conservation 2 pts
b. environmental temperature 2 pts
c. availability of light 2 pts
d. gravity 2 pts
e. able to reproduce 2 pts
(10 total points)
- Animal has been created that is able to respond properly to the following conditions on the hypothetical planet.
a. water use and/or conservation 2 pts
b. environmental temperature 2 pts
c. food acquisition 2 pts
d. gravity 2 pts
e. able to reproduce 2 pts
(10 total points)
Passing: 16 pts
Expectation: 85% of students will pass.
Biology Majors Program Outcome 1: Competency In Using Lab Equipment
Biology 13. Assess Use of the Microscope and Slide Preparation
Description: Each student will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge of the parts and operation of a microscope to focus a slide and record their results.
Action |
Assessment |
Student Score |
Ability to focus the slide under 40x:
- The student begins the process with 4x, then proceed to 10x and 40x.
- Student demonstrates proper use of the coarse and fine adjustment knobs.
- Student demonstrate ability to view the specimen
|
20 points |
___________________
___________________ |
Recording Observations:
- Labeled drawing
- Record of total magnification at which they examined the specimens
|
3 points
5 points |
__________________
___________________ |
TOTAL |
28 points |
|
Passing: 22 pts
Expectation: 85% of students will pass.
Biology Majors Program Outcome 3: Read and Interpret Mathematical Diagrams
Biology 13. Assess data and graph construction and interpretation
Description: Each student will be asked to prepare a graph and provide an interpretation of the graphed data.
Action |
Assessment |
Student Score |
Graph construction:
- Axes are labeled and graph has a title.
- Numerical scales on the axes are appropriate.
- Proper presentation has been selected for the graphical data (line graph or bar graph; data points are plotted properly with respect to the graph type selected)
|
4 points
2 points
4 points
(10 points total) |
_________________
_________________
_________________ |
Interpretation and Analysis:
- Student prepares a one-two sentence written summary of the graph.
- Student can answer a series of questions based on the constructed graph
|
6 points
9 points
(15 points total)
|
___________________
___________________ |
TOTAL |
25 points |
|
Passing: 20 pts
Expectation: 75% of students will pass.
Biology Majors Outcome 2: Competency in Preparing a Lab Report
Biology 13. Assess scientific report written for the laboratory
Lab Report
Parts |
Performance Standard |
Points |
Student’s
score |
Introduction |
Introduction should be pertinent to the subject being investigated |
5 |
|
Hypothesis
|
A clear short sentence
that describes what predictions the student has for the results of the experiment |
5 |
|
Experimental Design |
Identifies experimental subjects and controls
Identifies dependent and independent variables |
5 |
|
Methods
& Materials |
Is a complete and accurate description of the techniques used during the experiment |
5 |
|
Data |
Results are logically and accurately presented
including graphs & tables |
5 |
|
Discussion & Conclusion |
Demonstrates a clear understanding of the significance of the data and whether or not they support or reject the hypothesis |
5 |
|
Total Points 30 |
|
Passing: 24 pts
Expectation: 85% of students will pass.
Biology Majors Outcome 5. Competency in the Use of Resources to Collect Information.
Biology 13. Assess using Bibliography of scientific report written for the laboratory
Action |
assessment |
Student Score |
Find and include 2 relevant references from journal articles/books |
3 pts |
|
|
|
|
Proper format used for references |
3 pts |
|
|
|
|
Total: |
6 pts |
|
|
|
|
Find and include 3 relevant Internet references |
2 pts |
|
|
|
|
Proper format used for Internet references |
2 pts |
|
|
|
|
Total: |
4 pts |
|
|
|
|
Grand total: |
10 pts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Passing: 8 pts
Expectation: 75% of students will pass. |