Science Task Prescreen
Task Title: Cage of Energy: Why are some Molecules “Monsters”?
Grade: High School (9-12)
Date: 2026-04-17
SEP: Developing and Using Models; Analyzing and Interpreting Data
DCI: PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
CCC: Patterns; Cause and Effect
Task Purpose: To determine if students can use the periodic table (valence electron patterns) to predict and explain the 3D structures and explosive properties of carbon-based molecules.
Instructions
- Before you begin: Complete the task as a student would. Then, consider any support materials provided to teachers or students, such as contextual information about the task and answer keys/rubrics.
- Prescreen: Answer the following high-level questions to identify any major red flags (🚩) in your task. If you find one or more red flags, consider the purpose of the task and the evidence gathered to determine whether the task warrants a deeper dive.
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
Based on your assessment needs and the task purpose recorded above, make a recommendation about this task moving forward (choose one):
- Warrants further review.
- Should not be used.
Summary
Summarize your evidence and reasoning: The task is grounded in the intriguing phenomenon of “Monstrous” molecules like Cubane and Buckyballs. It requires students to actively use the 3Dmol.js simulation to gather data (angles and bond counts) that cannot be found elsewhere. Students must then apply their understanding of Group 14 valence electron patterns (DCI) to reason through why certain geometries lead to high strain energy (Cause and Effect). The final evaluation requires identifying “Mystery Samples” based on their observed 3D patterns, ensuring that students are using SEPs and DCIs in an integrated manner.