Alaska Science
Key Element D3

Performance Standard Level 4, Ages 15–18

Students conduct independent research investigations about a community issue and propose a solution based on their original data.

Sample Assessment Ideas

• Students research the issues involved with commercial fishing bycatch and design possible solutions.

• Students examine and quantify the “daily trash accumulation” for the school; calculate the mass and volume of recyclable and non-recyclable materials. Determine the economic feasibility of creating separate waste repositories.

Standards Cross-References
( Alaska Department of Education & Early Development Standards)

National Science Education Standards

Identify a problem or design an opportunity. Students should be able to identify new problems or needs and propose ways to change and improve current technological designs. (Page 192)

Propose designs and choose between alternative solutions. Students should demonstrate thoughtful planning for a piece of technology or technique. Students should be introduced to the roles of models and simulations in these processes. (Page 192)

Implement a proposed design. A variety of skills can be needed in proposing a solution depending on the type of technology that is involved. The construction of artifacts can require the skills of cutting, shaping, treating, and joining common materials such as wood, metal, plastics, and textiles. Solutions can also be implemented using computer software. (Page 192)

Evaluate the solution and its consequences. Students should test any solution against the needs and criteria it was designed to meet. At this stage, new criteria not originally considered may be reviewed. (Page 192)

Benchmarks