9th Grade Earth Science

Kristine Haataja
UNIT: Interior of the Earth
CLEAR PURPOSE:

The purpose of this formative assessment is to give the instructor an opportunity to evaluate the progress
of students on several objectives that will lead up to meeting the standards listed below. Students will be assessed
on their comprehension and understanding of the layers of the earth and their characteristics, application and
comprehension of seismic wave characteristics, and also comprehension and application of continental crust and
oceanic crust properties. Students will also be asked to synthesis crustal properties by hypothesizing the
connection to plate tectonics. Students will complete three different extended written response tasks to
determine their comprehension. They will be answering three types of questions: scenario, construct/create, and
stand alone. After the assessment, they will be given time to review their assessment and assess their own
comprehension. This gives both the teacher and the student the ability to determine whether the class is ready to
move on to the next lesson dealing with segregation of the earths layers and earth processes/materials.
STANDARDS/BENCHMARKS:
E3.2A: Describe the interior of the Earth (in terms of crust, mantle, and inner and outer cores) and where the
magnetic field of the Earth is generated.
E3.2B: Explain how scientists infer that the Earth has interior layers with discernible properties using the patterns
of primary and secondary seismic wave arrivals.
E3.2C: Describe the differences between oceanic and continental crust (including density, age, and composition).

Learning Targets
I can draw and identify the compositional
and physical layers of the earth.

Knowledge Questions

Reasoning Questions

I can demonstrate the properties of seismic

waves and distinguish between primary,
secondary, and surface seismic waves
I can use continental crust and oceanic crust
properties to explain a tectonic process.

Directions will be read aloud to class.

SCORE: ________/25

Name__________________
# ______
Earth Science Extended Written Response Assessment

Directions:
Over the past week we have learned about the various layers of the earth, seismic
waves, and the different types of crust. Today we are going to check how well you understand
these concepts and characteristics. Once we have a tight grasp on these concepts we can move
forth to discuss earth processes and earth materials. After you complete this assessment we
will be able to go back through the questions as a group to better help you learn this material.
This will also show me how effective our in class lessons have been.
You will be taking a short 3 question assessment. This assessment is to be taken alone.
You will answer one of each of the following: scenario, create/construct, and stand alone. Point
values per question are stated on the assessment. There is a total of 25 points.
When you are answering the questions, keep in mind that you will also mark if you are
sure or unsure of your answer. This is a tool that shows you what you need a little more time
learning. Please be honest when you fill out the sure/unsure bubbles. You will not be marked
down.
You will be allowed 45 minutes to complete this assessment. This will give you enough
time to go back through and review each of your questions. Be sure to read through each
questions carefully. If you have any questions, please raise your hand and I will come to you.
When you have completed the assessment please place it in the red turn-in tray and pick up the
warm-up activity on my desk.

You may begin your assessment. Good luck!

Question 1 Directions: Read through the prompt below and answer in the space below. Please
remember to read the entire question before beginning your response. If you would like to draft your
responds, draft paper is available at the front of the classroom. Please use the rubric below to help you
in forming your response. That is how you will be graded. Take your time, ask if you have questions, and
good luck!
RUBRIC/SCORING GUIDE FOR PROMPT QUESTION
Scoring
Description

Complete Understanding
Shown

Good Understanding
Shown

Basic Understanding
Shown

Did not
respond

Using
characteristics
of seismic
waves I was
able to
distinguish
between the
different types
of waves

I thoroughly explained
my answer and used key
characteristics to support
my response. My answer
demonstrates an indepth understanding of
properties of the three
types of seismic waves.

I somewhat explained
my answer and used
some key characteristics
to support my response.
My answer demonstrates
a limited understanding
of properties of the three
types of seismic waves.

I vaguely explained my
response and didnt
use any key
characteristics to
support my reasoning.
I attempted the
question but the
answer is incorrect or
incomplete.

I did not
respond.

Using this rubric, I would give my response to section 1 a score of ____ because __________________
____________________________________________________________________________________.

QUESTION 1: The journey of a seismic wave. (5 POINTS)

Throughout this unit we learned a lot about the seismic waves. We talked about what they tell us about
the earth and how each type travels. Pretend that you are a seismic wave (s, p, or surface). Use the
space below to write a letter to a different seismic wave explaining the journey you traveled on. Be sure
to include (1) What seismic wave you are (2) Which seismic wave you are writing to (3) What layers of
earth you traveled through (4) Your speed compared to the others (5) How much damage you caused
and (6) the way you move particles as they pass by.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Question 2 Directions: Read through the construct and create problem below and answer in the space
allotted. Please remember to read the entire question before beginning your response. If you would like
to draft your responds, draft paper is available at the front of the classroom. Please use the rubric below
to help you in forming your response. That is how you will be graded. Take your time, ask if you have
questions, and good luck!

RUBRIC/SCORING GUIDE FOR CONSTRUCT/CREATE

Scoring Description

Complete
understanding shown

Good understanding
shown

Basic
understanding
shown

Did not
respond

Using proper names of

layers and physical
conditions of each. I can
accurately show my
knowledge of the
differentiation of the
earth by chemical
composition

I thoroughly explained
my answer and used
correct names of
layers, correct order of
layers, and I can
identify the chemical
differences.

I somewhat explained
my answer and mostly
used correct names of
layers, correct order of
layers, and I can
somewhat identify the
chemical differences.

I vaguely
described my
answer and names
of layers, order of
layers, and
chemical
differences are
incorrect or
incomplete.

I did not
respond.

Using proper names of

layers and physical
conditions of each. I can
accurately show my
knowledge of the
differentiation of the
earth by physical
composition

I thoroughly explained
my answer and used
correct names of
layers, correct order of
layers, and I can clearly
identify the physically
differences.

I somewhat explained
my answer and mostly
used correct names of
layers, correct order of
layers, and I can
somewhat identify the
chemical differences.

I vaguely
described my
answer and names
of layers, order of
layers, and
physical
differences are
incorrect or
incomplete.

I did not
respond.

Using this rubric, I would give my response to section 1 a score of ____ because __________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

QUESTION 2: Layers of the Earth (10 POINTS)

In the area below, use your creative skills to design TWO diagrams to display the layers of earth. (1) Will
be showing the chemical layers of Earth and (2) will be showing the physical layers of Earth. Please show
them relative to one another (you do not need to know exact depths of each) label each layer and
important boundaries with an arrow. Include which diagram is physical or chemical. Include the physical
or chemical characteristics that define each layer.

Question 3 Directions: Read through the stand alone question below and answer in the space allotted.
Please remember to read the entire question before beginning your response. If you would like to draft
your responds, draft paper is available at the front of the classroom. Please use the rubric below to help
you in forming your response. That is how you will be graded. Take your time, ask if you have questions,
and good luck!
RUBRIC/SCORING GUIDE FOR STAND ALONE
Scoring Description

Complete
understanding
shown

Good
understanding
shown

Basic understanding
shown

Did not
respond

I can describe the

characteristics of
oceanic crust and
apply that to its
role in subduction
at
oceanic/continental
plate boundaries

I accurately
described four or
more
characteristics of
oceanic crust and
accurately
connected those
qualities to the
process of plate
subduction.

I accurately
described 2-3
characteristics of
oceanic crust and
somewhat
connected those
qualities to the
process of plate
subduction.

I slightly described
oceanic crust
characteristics and
demonstrated
incorrect or
incomplete
understanding with
connection to the
process of plate
subduction

I did not
respond

I can describe the

characteristics of
continental crust
and apply that to
its role in
subduction at
oceanic/continental
plate boundaries

I accurately
described four or
more
characteristics of
continental crust
and accurately
connected those
qualities to the
process of plate
subduction.

I accurately
described 2-3
characteristics of
continental crust
and somewhat
connected those
qualities to the
process of plate
subduction.

I slightly described
continental crust
characteristics and
demonstrated
incorrect or
incomplete
understanding with
connection to the
process of plate
subduction

I did not
respond

Using this rubric, I would give my response to section 3 a score of ____ because __________________
____________________________________________________________________________________.

QUESTION 3: Can I ask you a Crustion? (10 points)

As weve discovered in the past few weeks, oceanic crust and continental crust are very different from
each other. We have talked about composition, age, density, and thickness. Recall the process of plate
subduction at continental/oceanic boundaries and combine the characteristics listed above to plate
tectonics. Hypothesize their connection by explaining the four characteristics for each type of crust.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Interior of the Earth

Name: ___________________________
#________
Student Analysis of Extended Written Response

Directions: Read through your responses and the rubrics for each section and compare the score you
gave yourself with the socre the teacher gave you. Once you have done this, answer the questions
below to help you understand your learning. You will have 15 minutes to complete the analysis. If more
time is needed, we will have ten minutes of work time at the end of class.
Question 1 TARGET GOAL: I can demonstrate the properties of seismic waves and distinguish between
primary, secondary, and surface seismic waves.
In question 1, I gave myself a score of ________out of 5 because _________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
My teacher gave me a score of _______out of 5. Do you agree with the score? Explain why or
why not. Use specific examples and use the rubric to defend your response. _______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Question 2 TARGET GOAL: I can draw and identify the compositional and physical layers of the earth.
In question 1, I gave myself a score of ________out of 5 because _________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
My teacher gave me a score of _______out of 5. Do you agree with the score? Explain why or
why not. Use specific examples and use the rubric to defend your response. _______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Question 3 TARGET GOAL: I can use continental crust and oceanic crust properties to explain a
tectonic process.
In question 1, I gave myself a score of ________out of 5 because _________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
My teacher gave me a score of _______out of 5. Do you agree with the score? Explain why or
why not. Use specific examples and use the rubric to defend your response. _______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Further Analysis
1. Name the areas or topics that you feel you could use more explanation or review in. _________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
2. Name the area or topics that you feel most comfortable with, and feel confident possibly
tutoring another classmate in. _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. Do you feel you have reached your target goals? Why or why not? ________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________