examples: authentic tasks: math (algebra - if you build it) (Authentic Assessment Toolbox)

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If You Build It....

Task

You have six oak boards left over from a variety of projects. You plan to use these boards to make a bookcase. The boards are all one foot wide and vary in length as shown.

Draw a diagram and label the dimensions of your bookcase. Explain in words how you designed your bookcase.

Determine the total amount of shelf space. Explain in words how you found this amount and why the procedure you used is an appropriate solution process.

Show all work!

Board 1 - 1' x 6'

Board 2 - 1' x 5.5'

Board 3 - 1' x 8'

Board 4 - 1' x 7.5'

Board 5 - 1' x 4'

Board 6 - 1' x 7'

Rubric

	4	3	2	1	0
Diagram			drawn, labeled	drawn, not labeled	not drawn
Work shown			all work shown	some work shown	no work shown
Answer	used correct formula, correct area		used correct formula, mostly correct simple math errors		wrong formula, incorrect area
Written explanation
Bookcase design	accurate detailed descriptions	accurate brief descriptions	inaccurate detailed descriptions	inaccurate brief descriptions	no explanation
Complete sentences				yes	no
Solution Process	accurate detailed description	accurate brief description	inaccurate detailed description	inaccurate brief description	no explanation
Complete sentences				yes	no
Appropriate procedure	accurate detailed description	accurate brief description	inaccurate detailed description	inaccurate brief description	no explanation
Complete sentences				yes	no

Copyright 2008, Jon Mueller. Professor of Psychology, North Central College, Naperville, IL. Comments, questions or suggestions about this website should be sent to the author, Jon Mueller, at jfmueller@noctrl.edu.