Assessment Portfolio

Tajma Cameron

EDTP 645 9040

Dr. Thomas Scheira

Fall 2017

1
 Table of Contents

Abstract...3

Standards....4-5

Unit Learning Objectives.6

Assessment 1: 15 Multiple Choice Higher Level Questions ...7-10

Assessment 2: 10 Multiple Choice Lower Level Questions.11-12

Assessment 3: 10 Item True-False Test..13

Assessment 4: Three Essay Questions- Critical Thinking..14

Assessment 5: Five Short Answer Questions.15-16

Assessment 6: 15 Item Matching Questions ..17

Assessment 7: DNA Isolation Lab . ..18

Essay Questions Rubric19-21

Short Answers Rubric.22-24

Lab Report Rubric25

References26

2
 Abstract

Assessments are an important and essential component of instruction. It is critical for

teachers to create assessments to inform and improve student performance. For this assignment I

have created seven different artifacts that use various forms of assessment. I will identify

Maryland State Learning Objectives that are applicable in Biology for a unit on DNA. Included

in this assessment portfolio is a fifteen item multiple choice test of higher level questions from

Blooms Taxonomy, a ten item multiple choice test of lower level questions from Blooms

Taxonomy, ten item true-false test, three essay questions that use critical thinking, five short

answer questions, fifteen item matching question, and an assignment using a science lab report.

3
 Standards

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

HS-LS1-1. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines
the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of
specialized cells.

HS-LS3-1. Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in
coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.

Maryland Core Learning Goal 1: Skills and Processes

The student will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. The
student will use the language and instruments of science to collect, organize, interpret, calculate,
and communicate information.

Expectation 1.5
The student will use appropriate methods for communicating in writing and orally the
processes and results of scientific investigation.

Indicator 1.5.2
The student will explain scientific concepts and processes through drawing,
writing, and/or oral communication.

Indicator 1.5.6
The student will read a technical selection and interpret it appropriately.

Maryland Core Learning Goal 3: Concepts of Biology

The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes (Core Learning
Goal 1) and major biological concepts to explain the uniqueness and interdependence of living
organisms, their interactions with the environment, and the continuation of life on earth.

Expectation 3.1
The student will be able to explain the correlation between the structure and function of
biologically important molecules and their relationship to cell processes.

Maryland State Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts in Science and
Technical Subjects

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.1
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending
to the precise details of explanations or descriptions.

CCSS.ELA.LITERACY.RST.9-10.2
Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; trace the texts explanation or
depiction of a complex process, phenomenon, or concept; provide an accurate summary
of the text.
4
CCSS.ELA.LITERACY.RST.9-10.10
By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend science/technical texts in the grades 9-10
text complexity band independently and proficiently.

5
Unit of Study: DNA, RNA, & Mutations

Grade Level: 11th-12th

Context:

The ability to understand the central dogma of DNA is critical in understanding the
fundamental processes of organisms. In this unit students will learn about DNA which is the
building blocks of all genetic material. They will also learn about RNA and mutations. They will
learn information relating to the basic components of DNA and see visual representations of how
they relate to one another. The main goal of this unit is for students to become familiarized with
the cell and its DNA so that they can answer the question, How does DNA manage how the cell
will function? Activities and exercises will be used for guided and independent practice. At the
end of the unit the class will provide me with ideas on how the code determines the traits in an
organism. Students will have to create a project displaying a 3D representation of DNA using a
technology tool.

Learning Objectives:

After the completion of this unit students will be able to:

Identify the basic structure and function of DNA

Identify DNA base-pairing
Describe the process of DNA replication
Compare and contrast DNA and RNA
Identify transcription and translation
Apply knowledge of transcription and translation in a hands-on activity
Identify the cause and different types of mutations

6
 Fifteen Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice:

Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

1. Which one of the following molecules serves as a link between a gene and a protein?
a. RNA
b. mRNA
c. DNA
d. ATP

2. Which one of the following characteristics of DNA did James Watson and Francis
Cricks discovery help to explain?
a. The fact that DNA exists in all living cells
b. The amount of DNA found in an organism
c. The fact that DNA passes on genetic information
d. The length of a DNA strand

3. Suppose you wanted to identify, quantify, and purify a nucleic acid. Which lab technique
would you use to perform the above processes?
a. Western blotting
b. Gel Electrophoresis
c. ELISA
d. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

4. Assuming that there are no mutations in the following sequence, TGGACTTCC, which
one of the sequences below would you find on the complementary DNA strand?
a. ACCTGAAGG
b. CCGGTTAAC
c. ACATGCCAC
d. GGCCATTGC

5. A scientist was conducting an experiment and noticed that during DNA replication there
was a wrong nucleotide that was inserted in the DNA sequence. The scientist would
describe the situation as which of the following?
a. Translation
b. Mutation
c. Recombination
d. Transcription

7
6. If you were asked to determine the appearance of an organism which one of the following
features of DNA is most important in making that determination?
a. The shape of the helical twist
b. The amount of sugars present
c. The presence of hydrogen bonds
d. The sequence of nitrogenous bases

7. Which of the following techniques would you use if you wanted to make copies of a
specific region of DNA?
a. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
b. Gel electrophoresis
c. ELISA
d. Southern blotting

8. When comparing transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, it can be said that

a. Transcription occurs in the cytoplasm in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes
b. Transcription occurs in the cytoplasm in prokaryotes and outside the nucleus in
eukaryotes
c. Transcription occurs in the cytoplasm in prokaryotes and in a membrane-bound
nucleus in eukaryotes
d. Transcription occurs in a membrane bound nucleus in prokaryotes and in the
cytoplasm in eukaryotes

9. Which of the following contributes to the process known as the central dogma of
biology?
a. The flow of information in a cell proceeds from DNA to RNA to protein
b. The flow of information in a cell proceeds from RNA to protein to DNA
c. The flow of information in a cell proceeds from DNA to protein to RNA
d. The flow of information in a cell proceeds from protein to RNA to DNA

10. How are the two strands of a DNA double helix held together?
a. Polar covalent bonds
b. Non polar covalent bonds
c. Hydrogen bonds
d. Ionic bonds

11. If a scientist were trying to extract DNA from the cheek cells of a human, what type of
liquid would they use?
a. Hypertonic
b. Hypotonic

8
 c. Isotonic
d. Isertonic

12. Which of the following statements best describes what occurs during normal DNA
replication?
a. The genetic material is lost from the telomeres
b. Enzymatic action of telomerase
c. The unzipping of DNA helicase
d. DNA polymerase attaches to the leading strand

13. An unmutated segment of DNA contained 60 molecules of cytosine and will also contain
an equal number of what molecule?
a. Adenine
b. Uracil
c. Thymine
d. Guanine

14. There are four nitrogenous bases found in DNA. Why is the particular sequence of bases
found in a segment of DNA significant to cells?

a. The sequence triggers the release of lipids from the nucleus

b. The sequence codes for amino acids which makes proteins
c. The sequence sends signals to the cytoplasm
d. The sequence is responsible for the orders of sugars

15. Which statement regarding the role of DNA synthesis is incorrect?

a. Most genes code for protein synthesis
b. The order of bases in DNA determines the order of amino acids
c. The order of amino acids for each protein determines its final 3D shape
d. The final 3D shape does not determine the function of that protein

Answer Key

1. A
2. C
3. B
4. A
5. B
6. D
7. A
8. C
9. A

9
10. C
11. C
12. A
13. D
14. B
15. D

10
 Ten Item Multiple Choice

Multiple Choice:

Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

1. DNA is the same as:

a. Deoxyribonucleic acid
b. Dioxyribonucleic acid
c. Dyoxyribonucleic acid
d. Diyoxyribonucleic acid

2. What are the three main stages in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?
a. Reannealing, denaturing, extending
b. Denaturing, annealing, extending
c. Naturing, extending, denaturing
d. Annealing, extending, adulteration

3. Which one of the following base pairs is correct?

a. Adenine-guanine
b. Guanine-thymine
c. Cytosine-adenine
d. Adenine-thymine

4. The process of DNA replication means that:

a. The entire strand of DNA is copied for cell division
b. One strand of DNA is copied for cell division
c. The entire strand of DNA doubles in length
d. One strand of DNA doubles in length

5. What are the four nitrogen bases for DNA?

a. Adenine, uracil, cytosine, guanine
b. Adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine
c. Thymine, uracil, cytosine, adenine
d. Thymine, guanine, uracil, adenine

6. Which of the DNA replication proteins links the Okazaki fragments of the lagging
strand?
a. DNA polymerase I
b. DNA polymerase III
c. DNA ligase

11
 d. Helicase

7. The statement that DNA replication is semi conservative means that:

a. Half of each of the two new strands of DNA is old DNA from the original DNA
molecule while the other half is new DNA
b. Each of the two new strands of DNA is made up of new DNA
c. The original DNA molecule remains intact forming a new double helix
d. One strand separates during DNA replication

8. Which one of the following are pyrimidines?

a. Thymine and guanine
b. Adenine and thymine
c. Cytosine and guanine
d. Cytosine and thymine
e.
9. Which one of the following are purines?
a. Adenine and guanine
b. Cytosine and thymine
c. Adenine and uracil
d. Guanine and thymine
e.
10. What is the process by which RNA is made from DNA?
a. Replication
b. Translation
c. Transcription
d. Duplication

Answer Key

1. A
2. B
3. D
4. A
5. B
6. C
7. A
8. D
9. A
10. C

12
 True/False Assessment

Read each statement below and indicate whether the statement is True (T) or False (F).

__ 1. In a cell RNA is used as a messenger to carry instructions from the nucleus into the
cytoplasm

__2. RNA has ribose sugars and DNA has deoxyribose sugars.

__3. A deletion mutation occurs when part of a chromosome is missing after replication.

__4. Translation is the process that copies instructions from DNA onto mRNA.

__5. In RNA the adenine base is always paired with uracil.

__6. tRNA carries amino acids to the site of protein synthesis.

__7. When a sperm cell is mutated the mutation is passed from a woman to her offspring.

__8. James Watson and Francis Crick are the only scientists credited with discovering the double
helix structure of DNA.

__9. A nucleotide includes a phosphate, a deoxyribose sugar, and one of the four bases
(A,T,C,G).

__10. Translation occurs in the cytoplasm on ribosomes.

Answer Key
1. T
2. T
3. F
4. F
5. T
6. T
7. F
8. F
9. T
10. T

13
 Three Essay Questions

1. Transcription and translation are critical processes to the central dogma of biology. In
150-200 words, describe the difference between transcription and translation. Where does
each process occur in the cell? What is the function of each process?

2. Mutations are a change in DNA sequence. In 150-200 words, detail two types of
mutations discussing the cause of the mutation and how the DNA is affected?

3. Describe in detail the process of how a DNA molecule codes for a protein. (150-200
words)

14
 Five Short Answer Questions

1. Describe the structure of the RNA molecule and include a drawing of the molecule (5 points)

2. Describe three differences between a DNA molecule and a RNA molecule (5 points)

3. Draw and label a DNA molecule including the hydrogen bond (5 points)

4. DNA is the genetic material of all cellular organisms. Detail how the process of DNA

replication occurs within the cells of organisms (5 points)

15
5. RNA functions as an information messenger. Describe the purpose of each of the three types

of RNA (5 points)

16
 Fifteen Item Matching Questions

Write the letter for the answer or phrase in the space provided (1 point each)

__1. Deoxyribose a. one of two purines

__2. Transcription b. the subunits that make up DNA
__3. Adenine c. a five-carbon sugar
__4. DNA d. pyrimidine found in RNA
__5. Nucleotides e. process of making a copy of DNA
__6. Nitrogen base f. one of two pyrmidines
__7. DNA replication g. makes DNA from nucleotides
__8. Translation h. separates double stranded DNA to single stranded DNA
__9. RNA i. purines and pyrimidines
__10. Mutation j. change in DNA sequence
__11. Uracil k. first step of gene expression where segment of DNA is
copied into RNA
__12. DNA helicase l. site where double stranded DNA splits into single strands
__13. Replication fork m. process where mRNA is decoded to produce a specific
amino acid sequence
__14. DNA polymerase n. molecules that carries genetic information
__15. Cytosine o. single stranded and reads DNA instructions to make
proteins

Answer Key

1. C
2. K
3. A
4. N
5. B
6. I
7. E
8. M
9. O
10. J
11. D
12. H
13. L
14. G
15. F

17
 DNA Isolation Lab Activity

Students will be performing a lab activity where they use their own human cheek cells to
highlight DNA isolation. In groups of four students will prepare liquid solutions of sodium
chloride, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ethyl alcohol. Students will prepare the solutions together but
create their own cheek cell sample. Students will then use 10 ml of water to obtain a cheek cell
from their mouth by swirling the water around for at least 35 to 45 seconds. After obtaining their
cheek cell water student will place it into a detergent which will remove the cell membranes
from the cheek cells. This will then be placed into a salt solution releasing the DNA into the
solution. Students will observe the human cheek cells and chromosomes under the microscope.
This will allow to students have a visual representation of the scale of DNA molecules and
reinforce the concept. After the completion of this lab activity there will be activity reflection
questions in order to assess students understanding of the concepts and principles of DNA. The
questions that students will answer are:

1. What the purpose of using a liquid dishwashing detergent in this activity?

2. Describe the appearance of the DNA?
3. When observing your extracted cheek cell sample under the microscope did you see
one or many cells?
4. Why is it significant that scientists can use DNA extraction from cells?

Students will then have to create a lab report for graded submission which will include an
introduction, a material and methods section, a results section discussing what they observed,
and a discussion section reflecting what they learned from the lab activity.

18
 Essay Question 1: Translation & Transcription Rubric

Your Score: 4 3 2 1

Content *Understanding of Understanding Understanding Understanding of

Accuracy and differences of differences of translation translation and
Relevance between between and transcription is
translation and translation and transcription is incorrect with little
_____/4
transcription are transcription unclear with detailing of the
evident and clear are partially vague detailing processes.
through detailing evident. of the
of the processes. processes.

Scientific * Student provides Adequate Weak scientific Poor scientific

Language an excellent scientific explanation of explanation of the
scientific explanation of the processes of processes of translation
____/4 explanation of the the processes of translation and and transcription with
processes of translation and transcription little to none of key
translation and transcription with little use terminology.
transcription with some key of key
including key terminology terminology.
terminology i.e. missing.
mRNA,
cytoplasm,
ribosomes

Grammar *No grammatical Just one or two Several There are many
mistakes. grammatical grammatical grammatical mistakes.
(Spelling) mistakes. mistakes.
(Spelling)
_____/4 (Spelling) (Spelling)

_____/12

19
 Essay Question 2: Mutations Rubric

Your Score:

4 3 2 1

Content *Demonstrates a Demonstrates a Demonstrates a Missing critical

Analysis clear clear sense of vague sense of information on the
understanding of the processes of the processes of processes of mutations
the processes of mutations and mutations and with a generic sense of
_____/4 mutations and can provides some little the differences
distinguish relevant differences between two types of
between two differences between two mutations.
different types of between two types of
mutations. types of mutations.
mutations.

Use of * Accurate and Accurate and Some use of Minimal use of

Scientific relevant use of relevant use of accurate and scientific terminology
Terminology scientific scientific relevant with incorrect or
____/4 terminology that terminology scientific irrelevant terminology.
enhances the that strengthens terminology
response. the response. present in the
response.

Grammar *No grammatical Just one or two Several There are many
mistakes. grammatical grammatical grammatical mistakes.
(Spelling) mistakes. mistakes.
(Spelling)
_____/4 (Spelling) (Spelling)

_____/12

20
 Essay Question 3: Protein Synthesis Rubric

Your 4 3 2 1
Score:

Understanding Demonstrates a Demonstrates a Demonstrates Demonstrates very

of DNA high degree of good an little understanding
Structure and comprehension understanding understanding of DNA structure
Protein of the DNA of DNA of most of the and protein
_____/4 structure and structure and concepts synthesis.
Synthesis
protein protein relating to the
synthesis. synthesis. DNA structure
and protein
synthesis.

Scientific *Includes all key Includes at least Includes at least Includes only one
Accuracy elements relating three of the key two of the key key element relating
to the DNA elements relating elements relating to the DNA structure
____/4 structure and to the DNA to the DNA and protein synthesis
protein synthesis structure and structure and and contains
and contains no protein synthesis protein synthesis significant scientific
scientific errors. and may include and may include errors.
scientific errors. scientific errors.

Grammar *No grammatical Just one or two Several There are many
mistakes. grammatical grammatical grammatical
(Spelling) mistakes. mistakes. mistakes.

_____/4 (Spelling) (Spelling) (Spelling)

_____/12

21
Short Answer 1: RNA Function and Structure Rubric

Proficient Average Poor

4-5 2-3 0-1

Clear and consistent Adequate Poor understanding of

Content writing detailing understanding of content and structure
Comprehension specific vocabulary on components of RNA of RNA and contains
structure of RNA. including structure but no specific
Strong understanding lacking specific vocabulary.
of components of vocabulary.
RNA.

Scientifically accurate Scientifically accurate Scientifically

Graphics depiction of RNA depiction of RNA inaccurate depiction of
molecule with correct molecule without RNA molecule
labeling. correct labeling. without labeling.

Short Answer 2: RNA vs. DNA Molecule Rubric

Proficient Average Poor

4-5 2-3 0-1

Describes the Provides most of the Substantial

Content structure and function information relating to information relating to
Comprehension of both the RNA and structure and function structure and function
DNA with an of RNA and DNA of RNA and DNA is
accurate compare and with vague missing with irrelevant
contrast. comparisons. or incorrect
comparisons.

Accurate and specific Use of scientific Inaccurate and

scientific details and terminology with lack unspecific details
Scientific Accuracy terms included in of specificity regarding RNA and
description of RNA regarding description DNA molecules with
and DNA molecules. of RNA and DNA little to no use of
i.e. four bases of molecules. scientific terminology.
RNA and DNA,
helix, single strand

Short Answer 3: DNA Molecule Rubric

Proficient Average Poor

4-5 2-3 0-1

22
 Clear understanding of Understanding of Lack of understanding
Content DNA molecule DNA molecule with of DNA molecule with
Comprehension including correct missing key incorrect labeling and
description of key components. missing key
components. i.e. helix, components.
bases, hydrogen bonds

Accurate depiction of Depiction of DNA Inaccurate depiction of

Graphics DNA molecule with molecule is mostly DNA molecule with
correct labeling accurate with labeled many labeled parts
including hydrogen parts missing. missing.
bonds.

Short Answer 4: DNA Replication Rubric

Proficient Average Poor

4-5 2-3 0-1
.
Content Clear understanding of Lack of understanding
Comprehension DNA replication Understanding of of DNA replication
including correct DNA replication with with incorrect or
description of key missing key missing key
components. components. components.

Includes detailing of Includes some Missing significant

scientific process of scientific processes description of
Scientific Details DNA replication, the related to DNA scientific processes
direction of DNA replication but missing relating to DNA
replication and the some key elements. replication. Incorrect
process with enzymes. i.e. enzymes, lagging or irrelevant elements
strands present.

Short Answer 5: Three RNA Molecules Rubric

Proficient Average Poor

4-5 2-3 0-1

Content Provides Adequate detailing of Insufficient detailing

Comprehension comprehensive details the three roles of RNA. of the three roles of
of the three roles of DNA with missing or
RNA. incorrect details.

Scientific Processes Detailing the different Missing some elements Missing significant
functions of mRNA, relating to function and elements relating to
tRNA, and rRNA and structure of mRNA, function and structure

23
their structural tRNA, and rRNA. of mRNA, tRNA, and
components. rRNA with vague or
incorrect details.

24
 DNA Cheek Cell Lab Report Rubric

Name:______________________

4 3 2 1 0

Introduction Background Background Background Background is No introduction

information is information is information is vague and is included in the
well researched, well researched, vague and hypothesis is not report
concise, and concise, but hypothesis is not stated
hypothesis is in hypothesis is not in correct format
correct format in correct format
Materials All materials are All materials are Most materials Most materials No materials
listed with mentioned with are mentioned are missing, section is
correct spelling correct spelling with some incorrect included in
and proper unit however some incorrect spelling, and report
of measurement units of spelling and without units of
measurements without units of measurement
are missing measurements
Procedure Steps are in the Majority of steps Some steps are Numerous steps No procedures
proper order and are in the proper missing and are missing and in section is
in paragraph order and in not in the proper improper format. included in
formation. paragraph paragraph Not enough report.
Directions are formation. format. directions
easy to follow. Directions are Directions are present to
easy to follow. vague. follow.
Data Data is complete Data is missing Data incomplete Data is missing No data section
with correct one component and has correct significant included in
units of and has correct units of information and report.
measurement for units of measurement for incorrect units
cheek cells. measurement for cheek cells. of measurement
cheek cells. for cheek cells.
Conclusion Summary of Summary of Two Conclusion is No conclusion
experiment is experiment is components of brief with included in
detailed and detailed but one conclusion are significant report.
includes analysis component of missing. components
of hypothesis conclusion is missing.
and reflection on missing i.e.
experiment. hypothesis.

Organization Lab report is Lab report is Lab report is Lab report is Lacking
well organized well organized somewhat unorganized, attention detail
and formatted and formatted organized but unformatted, and lab report is
with no errors. with minor format is with errors. not cohesive.
errors. i.e. inconsistent and
grammatical or has errors.
spelling errors

25
 References

Common Core State Standards Initiative: Preparing Americas Students for College and Career.

(2010). English language arts standards: Science & technical subjects: Grade 11-12.

Retrieved from http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RST/11-12/

Next Generation Science Standards. (2017). From molecules to organisms: Structures and

processes. Retrieved October 17, 2017, from https://www.nextgenscience.org/dci-

arrangement/hs-ls1-molecules-organisms-structures-and-processes

26