CS_Ch5_Predictions

2/24/05

8:08 PM

Page 249

How will you decide which project to fund

and which to deny? As you work through
the chapter and think about funding, ask
the following questions:
Is the area of study logical?
Is the topic area testable by experiment?
Can any observer replicate the experiment
and get the same results?
Is the theory the simplest and most
straightforward explanation?
Can the new theory explain known
phenomena?
Can the new theory predict new
phenomena?

Criteria

Discuss in your small groups and as a

class the criteria for this performance
task. For instance:
How much of the grade should depend
on showing the scientific merit of the
first idea, or the lack of scientific merit
of the second idea?
How much of the grade should depend
on quality and clarity of the
presentation?
How much should depend on the
letters to the hopeful researchers? How
should a letter be graded?
What would constitute an A for this
project?
Here is a sample grading rubric. You can
fill out the descriptions and supply the
point values.

Here are the standards by which your

work will be evaluated:

Criteria

The selection of proposals reflects an

accurate understanding of the nature
of science
The selection of proposals reflects an
accurate understanding of the role and
importance of science in the world
The selection considers all the major
differences youve learned about science
and pseudoscience
The position paper is clearly written
and accurate. Grammar and spelling
are correct
The letters explain your reasoning
clearly, concisely, and in a businesslike
fashion. Grammar and spelling are
correct

reflects an
accurate
understanding. . .
points

Good Satisfactory
Poor
Excellent
max=100% max=70% max=50% max=25%

role and
importance
of science. . .
points
major differences. . .
points
clearly written. . .
points
letters. . .
points

A=

points

B=

points C=

points D=

points

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