Assessment and Evaluation Techniques:

Students will create lab reports that will be evaluated by the instructor. The reports will be scored using a rubric with which they are familiar.
Students will produce graphical representations of the motion of the pendulum using a STELLA model. These will be scored using a scoring rubric for STELLA models.

Assessment Rubric for Pendulum Lab Report

The scoring rubric has four parts: Planning, Data collection, Data analysis, and the Conclusion. Each part is scored on a scale from 0 to 3 as follows:

Planning 3 Defines problem, formulates hypotheses with appropriate variables, designs experimental method

2 Problem definition is unclear, stated hypothesis or variables not complete, poor experimental method

1 Any one of the three components is not included

0 Not Attempted

Data Collection 3 Data collected and recorded, raw data is organized and presented

2 Data collected and recorded, raw data is poorly organized and presented

1 Either of the two components is missing

0 Not Attempted

Data analysis 3 Processes raw data correctly, presents processed data appropriately

2 Processes raw data correctly, data not presented appropriately

1 Any one of the three components is not included

0 Not Attempted

Conclusion 3 Processes raw data correctly, presents processed data appropriately

2 Processes raw data correctly, data not presented appropriately

1 Any one of the three components is not included

0 Not Attempted

SAMPLE STUDENT LAB with RUBRIC

STELLA Model Scoring Rubric

The following rubric is designed to measure these objectives:
6. Use STELLA modeling software to model simple problems.
7. Build and explain a STELLA model of the period of a pendulum.

OUTSTANDING 4 The participant, using analysis, has developed a deep understanding of the system being modeled.
The system diagram and information flows accurately represent the key parameters in the system.
The equations specifying the relationships between the parts of the system demonstrate a comprehensive integration of the available data and known theory regarding the system.
The model has been thoroughly tested against a variety of conditions.

GOOD 3 The participant, using analysis, has developed a good understanding of the system being modeled.

The system diagram and information flows accurately represent many of the key parameters in the system.

The equations specifying the relationships between the parts of the system demonstrate a mostly complete integration of the available data and known theory regarding the system.

The model has been tested against a variety of conditions.

FAIR 2 The participant has developed a basic understanding of the system being modeled.

The system diagram and information flows accurately represent only part of the key parameters in the system.

The equations specifying the relationships between the parts of the system demonstrate an incomplete integration of the available data and known theory regarding the system.

The model has been tested against a few conditions.

POOR 1 The participant has exhibited a lack of understanding of the system being modeled.
The system diagram and information flows are inaccurate representations of the key parameters in the system.

The equations specifying the relationships between the parts of the system demonstrate a lack of understanding of the available data and known theory regarding the system.

The model has not been tested.

Back

Planning	3	Defines problem, formulates hypotheses with appropriate variables, designs experimental method
	2	Problem definition is unclear, stated hypothesis or variables not complete, poor experimental method
	1	Any one of the three components is not included
	0	Not Attempted

Data Collection	3	Data collected and recorded, raw data is organized and presented
	2	Data collected and recorded, raw data is poorly organized and presented
	1	Either of the two components is missing
	0	Not Attempted

Data analysis	3	Processes raw data correctly, presents processed data appropriately
	2	Processes raw data correctly, data not presented appropriately
	1	Any one of the three components is not included
	0	Not Attempted

Conclusion	3	Processes raw data correctly, presents processed data appropriately
	2	Processes raw data correctly, data not presented appropriately
	1	Any one of the three components is not included
	0	Not Attempted

OUTSTANDING	4	The participant, using analysis, has developed a deep understanding of the system being modeled.
		The system diagram and information flows accurately represent the key parameters in the system.
		The equations specifying the relationships between the parts of the system demonstrate a comprehensive integration of the available data and known theory regarding the system.
		The model has been thoroughly tested against a variety of conditions.

GOOD	3	The participant, using analysis, has developed a good understanding of the system being modeled.
		The system diagram and information flows accurately represent many of the key parameters in the system.
		The equations specifying the relationships between the parts of the system demonstrate a mostly complete integration of the available data and known theory regarding the system.
		The model has been tested against a variety of conditions.

FAIR	2	The participant has developed a basic understanding of the system being modeled.
		The system diagram and information flows accurately represent only part of the key parameters in the system.
		The equations specifying the relationships between the parts of the system demonstrate an incomplete integration of the available data and known theory regarding the system.
		The model has been tested against a few conditions.

POOR	1	The participant has exhibited a lack of understanding of the system being modeled.
		The system diagram and information flows are inaccurate representations of the key parameters in the system.
		The equations specifying the relationships between the parts of the system demonstrate a lack of understanding of the available data and known theory regarding the system.
		The model has not been tested.