Science Task Prescreen
Task Title: Diesel Runaway: Uncontrolled Energy Conversion Grade: High School Date: 2024-05-20 SEP: Developing and Using Models DCI: PS3.A: Definitions of Energy CCC: Energy and Matter Task Purpose: Determining whether students can apply what they have learned to model energy transformations from chemical potential energy to macroscopic kinetic and thermal energy.
Prescreen Questionnaire
| Question | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Is there a phenomenon or problem driving the task? | [x] | [ ] 🚩 |
| 2. Can the majority of the task be answered without using information provided by the task scenario? | [ ] 🚩 | [x] |
| 3. Can significant portions of the task be answered successfully by using rote knowledge (e.g., definitions, prescriptive or memorized procedure)? | [ ] 🚩 | [x] |
| 4. Does the majority of the task require students to use reasoning to successfully complete the task? | [x] | [ ] 🚩 |
| 5. Does the task require students to use some understanding of disciplinary core ideas to successfully complete the task? | [x] | [ ] 🚩 |
| 6. Do students have to use at least one science and engineering practice to successfully complete the task? | [x] | [ ] 🚩 |
| 7. Are the dimensions assessed separately in the majority of the task? | [ ] 🚩 | [x] |
| 8. Is the task coherent and comprehensible from the student perspective? | [x] | [ ] 🚩 |
Recommendation
- Warrants further review.
- Should not be used.
Summary
Summarize your evidence and reasoning: The task uses the dramatic real-world phenomenon of a diesel runaway to anchor the investigation. Students use the simulation to observe the shift from controlled to uncontrolled energy conversion. They must use reasoning to explain the feedback loop and use the practice of modeling to show how potential energy (engine oil) converts into extreme thermal and kinetic energy, integrating the DCI (PS3.A) and CCC (Energy and Matter). There are no major red flags.