Download HSC Earth and Environmental Science Research Assessment Task

HSC Earth and Environmental Science Research Assessment Task
Marking RUBRIC
Topic: Environments Through Time
Weighting: 15% (29 points total)
Syllabus Outcomes Covered: 9.3.1- 9.3.5
1. Describe cyanobacteria and explain how their evolution changed the Earth’s atmosphere.
Criteria
Provides a concise definition of cyanobacteria
Provides an accurate description of the relationship between the evolution of
cyanobacteria and the Earth’s atmosphere.
Presents ideas in a clear and logical way
Marks
2-3
Recalls some relevant information about cyanobacteria and the atmosphere
1
2. Compare the habitat of modern and ancient cyanobacteria.
Criteria
Describes the habitats of both modern and ancient cyanobacteria.
Makes the difference between habitats of modern and ancient cyanobacteria
clearly evident
Presents ideas in a clear and logical way
Recalls some relevant information about the habitats of both modern and ancient
cyanobacteria
Marks
2-3
1
3. Describe the process of banded iron formations and why they are no longer forming.
Criteria
Provides an accurate description how banded iron formations are formed
Accurately explains why this process no longer occurs.
Presents ideas in a clear and logical way
Provides some relevant information about the banded iron formations
4.
Marks
2-3
1
Calculate the percentage of original parent isotope left in a 3.8byo rock by using the K/Ar
isotope with a half life of 1.2by. (Show all work)
Criteria
Correctly calculates the percentage of original parent isotope
Marks
2
Presents answer clearly
Shows all work
Attempt at calculating the percentage of original parent isotope.
May or not have correct answer
1
5. Describe the role of ozone in filtering ultraviolet radiation and the importance for life that
developed during the Phanerozoic Eon.
Criteria
Provides a concise definition/description of ozone referring to a detailed diagram
Provides a detailed outline explaining how ozone filters UV radiation
Accurately explains the process of photolysis
Discusses how important ozone was for life that developed during the Phanerozioc
Presents ideas in clear and logical manner
Provides a general idea and description of ozone, may or may not refer to a
diagram
Provides a basic description of photolysis
Provides some relevant information about the importance of ozone for life
developing during the Phanerozoic
Provides some relevant information about ozone and its importance for life
Marks
4-5
2-3
1
6. Identify the major era subdivisions used to describe the Phanerozoic and basis for their
divisions. Also describe the general trend in complexity of life forms throughout this era
including specific examples.
Criteria
Accurately identifies the major era divisions of the Phanerozoic
Provides a concise description for the basis of their divisions
Provides an accurate outline of the trend in life complexity throughout this era
Includes specific examples
Presents ideas in a clear and logical manner
Provides some relevant information about the major era divisions of the
Phanerozioc
Marks
2-3
1
7. Explain how the relative age of a fossil can be determined from a stratigraphic sequence.
Criteria
Provides a detailed outline explaining how the relative age of a fossil can be
determined from a stratigraphic sequence
Marks
2
Presents ideas in a clear and logical way
Recalls some relevant information about the relative age of fossils
1
8. Discuss the environmental pressures faced by the first terrestrial organisms. Include
examples of evolutionary solutions.
Criteria
Identifies and accurately describes the pressures faced by the first terrestrial
organisms
Provides examples of how these organisms evolved to survive in the new
conditions
Presents ideas in a clear and logical way
Sketches in general terms some environmental pressures faced by the first
terrestrial organisms
Recalls some relevant information about how these organisms evolved to survive
Marks
2
1
9. Describe the role of radiation following mass extinctions in evolution.
Criteria
Provides a concise definition/description of radiations and mass extinctions
Accurately explains the role of radiation following mass extinctions in evolution
Presents ideas in clear and logical manner
Provides some relevant information about radiations and mass extinctions
Marks
2
1
10. Outline the theory of evolution by natural selection.
Criteria
Accurately describes the theory of evolution and discusses how natural variations
amongst individuals can give that organism a better chance of survival.
Identifies that such variations can lead to new species
Presents ideas in a clear and logical way
Sketches in general terms the theory of evolution
Recalls some relevant information about natural selection
Marks
2
1
11. Evaluate this module by describe 3 things you enjoyed and propose any suggestions to make
the module better in future.
Criteria
Identifies and describes 3 things they enjoyed about the module
Provides at least one suggestion to make the module better in future
Presents ideas in a clear and logical way
Recalls some relevant information about the module
Marks
2
1