AS 91187 annotated exemplars

This annotated exemplar is intended for teacher use only. Annotated exemplars are extracts of student evidence, with commentary, that explain key parts of a standard. These help teachers make assessment judgements at the grade boundaries.

TKI Earth and Space Science assessment resources (external link)

Download all these exemplars and commentary [PDF, 310 KB]

For Excellence, the student needs to carry out a comprehensive practical Earth and Space Science investigation.

This involves:

• carrying out a valid investigation to collect reliable data
• explaining how the method allowed for reliable data to be collected
• explaining in detail the Earth and Space Science related to the investigation by linking the results, interpretation and conclusion to the relevant science.

The student has used a valid investigation and collected reliable data on clay deposition in sea water (1), explained how the method collected reliable data and used this to draw a valid conclusion (2). The Earth and Space science behind the results obtained from the investigation have been explained in detail. Both water density and flocculation were comprehensively explained (3).

For a more secure Excellence, the student could explain in more detail how the method is valid, and provide reliable supporting data. A better graph could also have been used. The axis should be labelled and a title given.

For Merit, the student needs to carry out an in-depth practical Earth and Space Science investigation.

This involves:

• confirming the original method or refining the method to increase the validity and reliability of collected data by:
  • development of valid ranges for the key variables
  • valid measurement of key variables
  • valid management of other variables
  • reliable collection of raw data
• interpreting the processed data to draw a valid conclusion related to the purpose of the investigation
• explaining the Earth and Space Science related to the investigation.

The student has confirmed the original method and commented on the reliability of the data on clay deposition in sea water.  A valid conclusion has been drawn related to the data (1). There are comments in depth on the Earth and Space science related to water densities (2) and there is an explanation of flocculation (3).

To reach Excellence, the student could explain in depth the role of the calcium ions in flocculation rather than just calcium. Reasons why the conclusion is valid could also be provided.

For Merit, the student needs to carry out an in-depth practical Earth and Space Science investigation.

This involves:

• confirming the original method or refining the method to increase the validity and reliability of collected data by:
  • development of valid ranges for the key variables
  • valid measurement of key variables
  • valid management of other variables
  • reliable collection of raw data
• interpreting the processed data to draw a valid conclusion related to the purpose of the investigation
• explaining the Earth and Space Science related to the investigation.

The student has confirmed the original method and commented on the reliability of the data on clay deposition in sea water. A conclusion has been drawn related to the data (1). There is explanation of the Earth and Space science related to water densities (2) and a low-level explanation of flocculation (3).

For a more secure Merit, the student could explain in depth the role of both water densities and, especially, flocculation. A valid conclusion linking to how the water samples cleared needs to be provided and linked to the purpose of the investigation.

For Achieved, the student needs to Carry out a practical Earth and Space Science investigation.

This involves:

• giving a statement of purpose arising from an Earth and space scientific context
• developing a method that describes:
  • ranges for key variables
  • how key variables are measured
  • the management of some other variables
  • the collection of raw data
• collecting raw data consistent with the method
• recording and processing raw data relevant to the purpose
• interpreting the processed data to draw a conclusion related to the purpose of the investigation
• describing the Earth and Space Science related to the investigation
• reporting on the investigation.

The student has described a purpose (1), collected raw data and interpreted the data on clay deposition in sea water. (2), drawn a valid conclusion related to the investigation (4), given a simple description of the Earth and Space science (density differences and flocculation) (3) and reported on the investigation.

To reach Merit, the student could explain how the investigation relates to key Earth and Space science ideas. For example, the roles of water density differences and the role of flocculation could be linked to the investigation to explain how and why the water cleared from the river mouth. 

For Achieved, the student needs to carry out a practical Earth and Space Science investigation.

This involves:

• giving a statement of purpose arising from an Earth and space scientific context
• developing a method that describes:
  • ranges for key variables
  • how key variables are measured
  • the management of some other variables
  • the collection of raw data
• collecting raw data consistent with the method
• recording and processing raw data relevant to the purpose
• interpreting the processed data to draw a conclusion related to the purpose of the investigation
• describing the Earth and Space Science related to the investigation
• reporting on the investigation.

The student has described a purpose (1), collected raw data and interpreted the data on clay deposition in sea water. (2), drawn a conclusion (4), given a simple description of the Earth and Space science (density differences) (3) and reported on the investigation.

For a more secure Achieved, the student could further describe significant Earth and Space science factors that affect the changes in clarity. For example, the role of flocculation could be described. 

For Achieved, the student needs to carry out a practical Earth and Space Science investigation.

This involves:

• giving a statement of purpose arising from an Earth and space scientific context
• developing a method that describes:
  • ranges for key variables
  • how key variables are measured
  • the management of some other variables
  • the collection of raw data
• collecting raw data consistent with the method
• recording and processing raw data relevant to the purpose
• interpreting the processed data to draw a conclusion related to the purpose of the investigation
• describing the Earth and Space Science related to the investigation
• reporting on the investigation.

The student has described a purpose in a simple way (1), collected raw data and interpreted the data on clay deposition in sea water. (2), drawn an incorrect conclusion related to the purpose (4), attempted to describe the Earth and Space science (3) and reported on the investigation.

To reach Achieved, the student could describe how the known Earth and Space Science relates to the investigation. For example, there could be a description of how density affects the water mixing and/or how flocculation reduces clay particles suspended in the water. A valid conclusion should also be provided.