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Science 30
2009
Released Diploma Examination Items
For further information, contact Stan Bissell, [email protected], or Ken Marcellus, [email protected] at Learner Assessment, at (780) 427-0010. To call toll-free from outside Edmonton, dial (780) 310-0000.
Our Internet address is education.alberta.ca.
Copyright 2008, the Crown in Right of Alberta, as represented by the Minister of Education, Alberta Education, Learner Assessment, 44 Capital Boulevard, 10044 108 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5E6, and its licensors. All rights reserved.
Special permission is granted to Alberta educators only to reproduce, for educational purposes and on a non-profit basis, parts of this document that do not contain excerpted material.
Contents
Introduction 1
Blueprint Summary and General Learner Expectations
2
Science 30 Diploma Examination January 2009—Released Items
3
Part
A—Written
3
Part B—Machine Scored
11
January 2008 Sample Responses Scoring Guides, and Key
38
Part
A—Written
39
Introduction
The questions presented in this booklet are from the January 2009 Science 30 Diploma Examination. This material, along with the program of studies, Subject Bulletin, Assessment Highlights, and the January 2009 Diploma Examination results, can provide insights that will assist you with decisions relative to instructional programming.
These examination items are released by Learner Assessment. They may be used by the classroom teacher as an examination, a quiz, or a review for students.
Additional Documents
Science 30 Assessment Highlights
A general description of characteristics of student responses, including strengths and areas for improvement, as indicated by markers and the examination manager for the Part A Science 30 Diploma Examination.
• Available at: http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/k_12/testing/diploma
Instructional Group Reports
Detailed statistical information on provincial, group, and individual student performance on the entire examination. Please note: A second format for the Instructional Group Report will be available, which includes percentages of students selecting each alternative (for multiple-choice items). This additional statistical information may be beneficial for use by teachers during analysis of the results, for identification of student misconceptions, or for use in instruction.
• Available at: https://phoenix.edc.gov.ab.ca/login
Science 30 Subject (Information) Bulletin
• Available at: education.alberta.ca/k_12/testing/diploma/bulletins/default.asp
Previous exams
Previous exams have been released for Science 30, including an interactive version of the January 2008 Diploma Examination.
• Available at: education.alberta.ca/students/exams/answerkeys.aspx and
• www.tools4teachers.ab.ca/t4t/ and
Science 30 Diploma Examination January 2009––Blueprint Summary
Question
Type MC NR LA#1 LA#2 SA
GO A1/A2 5,6,7,8 3 ×
GO A3 1,2,3,4,9,10,11 1,2 ×
GO
B1/B2/B3 19,20,21,23,24,25,26,28,36 8,9,10 ×
GO C1 15,16,17,29,30,31,32,37 4,7,11
GO C2 12,13,14,18,27,34,35 5
GO D1/D2 33,38,39,40 6,12 ×
Skill 7,13,15,16,17,21,29 1,4,6,7,8,9,10,11 ×
STS 5 × ×
GO: General Outcomes GO A1/A2 Circulatory and Immune Systems
GO A3 Genetics
GO B1/B2/B3 Environmental Chemistry
GO C1 Field Theory and Electrical Energy
GO C2 Electromagnetic Spectrum
GO D1/D2 Energy and the Environment
Skill Scientific Process and Communication Skills
Short Answer—5% Staple your word-processed response for this question to this page.
a. Select one of the emissions shown in the table above. State one effect on either human health or the environment that is associated with the emission you select.
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Use the following information to answer the first question.
Comparison of Vehicle Emissions for Petroleum Diesel and Biodiesel Fuels
Emissions
(grams per kilometre travelled, g/km)
Vehicle Fuel
Carbon monoxide
(CO) hydrocarbonsUnburned
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Sulfur dioxide
(SO2) Particulates
Car
Petroleum
diesel 0.42 0.08 0.64 0.05 0.15
Biodiesel 0.37 0.07 0.77 0.0 0.13
Light-duty truck
Petroleum
diesel 1.33 0.33 1.39 0.09 0.24
Biodiesel 1.16 0.24 1.67 0.0 0.24
Heavy-duty truck
Petroleum
diesel 3.92 0.45 13.06 0.28 1.07
Biodiesel 2.63 0.36 15.02 0.0 0.72
b. Biodiesel is generally promoted as being a fuel that is less harmful to the environment than petroleum diesel. Briefly explain how the data shown in the table on the previous page support the view that biodiesel is an environmentally friendly fuel and how the data contradict this view.
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Use the following information to answer the next question.
The bacterium Bacillus thurengenesis (Bt) produces a toxin that kills insects. A corn plant to which the Bt gene has been added produces this toxin throughout the plant.
Preliminary findings from a research study show that pollen from crops of
genetically modified corn plants causes allergic reactions/responses in people living near to the area where these crops are grown. The study further shows that these people develop fevers, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. Also, antibodies to the Bt toxin can be found in their blood.
Some scientists claim that the results from this study require further examination.
Long Answer—15% Staple your word-processed response for this question to this page.
a. Describe the steps that occur in the human body that would result in antibodies to the Bt toxin being present in people living close to genetically modified corn crops.
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b. List two controlled variables that should be included in any further studies examining the possible link between genetically modified corn crops and the occurrence of allergies. Choose one of the controlled variables that you have listed and describe its importance to the validity of any conclusions that may be drawn from further studies.
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Electricity Consumption and Generation for Selected Countries
Country Canada United States KingdomUnited Russia Mexico China Sweden Iceland Italy
Electricity consumption (billions of kW•h)
504 3 600 346 773 187 1 310 135 7.3 289
Electricity generation (billions of kW•h)
566 3 720 361 847 39 1 420 153 7.9 259
Percent (%) contribution for each energy source used for electricity generation
Fossil fuels 28 71 74 64 79 80 4 0.1 79
Hydro 58 6 1 21 14 19 51 82.5 18
Nuclear 13 21 23 14.5 4 1 43 0 0
Long Answer—15% Staple your word-processed response for this question to this page.
a. List the countries that have a surplus of electricity (produce excess electricity), and list the countries that have a deficit of electricity (do not produce enough electricity). Select one country from either list, and then identify reasons for the surplus or deficit of electricity.
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b. The surplus electricity produced by one country can be exported to other countries. Select one country that produces surplus electricity, and use the information provided in the table to list both the positive and negative aspects of producing surplus electricity in that country to sell to other countries.
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c. Identify one energy source used to generate electricity that might be categorized as “Other” in the table on page 6. Predict the role and impact this energy source will have for the production of electricity in the future. Justify your prediction.
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Technology has increased knowledge about diseases and their effects on the human body.
Use the following information to answer the first three questions.
Huntington disease (HD) is a lethal human disorder caused by a dominant
allele, H, located on the end of chromosome 4. This allele is autosomal (not sex-linked).
Some Pedigrees for Huntington Disease
Sci30_0316 Pedigree charts I
II
Parents
Children Pedigree 1
I
II
Parents
Children Pedigree 2
I
II
Parents
Children Pedigree 3
I
II
Parents
Children Pedigree 4
H = Huntington disease
h = Unaffected
Numerical Response
Match each of the pedigrees numbered above with the genotypes of the parents, as listed below.
Genotypes of parents
hh × hh __________ (Record in the first column) hh × Hh __________ (Record in the second column) Hh × Hh __________ (Record in the third column) HH × Hh __________ (Record in the fourth column)
(Record your answer in the numerical-response section on the answer sheet.) 1.
Use the following additional information to answer the next two questions.
One parent is heterozygous and the other is homozygous dominant for the Huntington allele.
1. The possible genotypes of children born to the parents described above are
A. Hh and hh only
B. HH and Hh only
C. HH and hh only
D. HH, Hh, and hh
2. The probability that the first child of the parents described above will receive the dominant allele is
A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 75%
Use the following information to answer the next question.
A variety of cell processes occur during growth and reproduction.
Some Cell Processes
1 Meiosis
2 Mitosis
3 Fertilization
Numerical Response
DP- Match the cell processes numbered above with the descriptions of processes given below. (Processes may be used more than once.)
Process: __________ __________ __________ __________
Description: Forms
gametes Combines genetic information from two parents
Responsible for growth and
development
Divides genetic information into half the original amount
4. The symptoms of many lethal diseases appear before a person who has the disease reaches adulthood. A likely explanation for why dominant lethal alleles rarely occur in populations is that many individuals who have a dominant lethal allele
A. pass on only the lethal allele to their offspring
B. pass on only the non-lethal allele to their offspring
C. do not survive to reproduce, so the lethal allele is not passed on
D. do not survive to reproduce, so the non-lethal allele is not passed on
Use the following information to answer the next question.
A Random Display of the Stages of Mitosis
3. Cells in an implanted embryo undergo the process of mitosis as the embryo develops. The correct order for the stages of mitosis shown above is
A. I, II, III, IV
B. I, III, IV, II
C. III, I, II, IV
Use the following information to answer the next two questions.
Carbon monoxide prevents oxygen from binding to the molecule that is responsible for transporting oxygen in the bloodstream.
5. Which of the following molecules is responsible for transporting oxygen in the bloodstream?
A. Adenine
B. An antibody
C. Hemoglobin
D. Deoxyribose
6. A person suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning experiences
A. a decrease in the rate of oxygen exchange in the arteries of the brain
B. an increase in the rate of oxygen exchange in the arteries of the brain
C. a decrease in the rate of oxygen exchange in the capillaries of the brain
D. an increase in the rate of oxygen exchange in the capillaries of the brain
Use the following information to answer the next question.
Some Structures of the Circulatory System
1 Vein
2 Artery
3 Lung capillary
4 Right ventricle
Numerical Response
Blood containing carbon monoxide exits the right atrium of the heart. The order in which this blood passes through the structures of the circulatory system numbered above is _____, _____, _____, and _____.
(Record all four digits of your answer in the numerical-response section on the answer sheet.) 3.
7. A person has a blood pressure of 145/95. The number 145 represents the
A. systolic pressure, which occurs when the ventricles relax
B. diastolic pressure, which occurs when the ventricles relax
C. systolic pressure, which occurs when the ventricles contract
D. diastolic pressure, which occurs when the ventricles contract
8. Which of the following blood components is involved in stopping a nosebleed?
A. Platelets
B. Antibodies
C. Red blood cells
D. White blood cells
Use the following information to answer the next question.
The drug erythropoietin (EPO) is an artificial version of a protein that is naturally produced by the kidneys. EPO is administered to individuals to increase their production of cells that carry oxygen in the blood. Two of the consecutive amino acids in the EPO protein are serine and phenylalanine.
9. The sequence of DNA base triplets that code for the amino acid sequence described above is
A. AGC TTC
B. TCT CCC
C. TCG CCG
10. Biotechnologists use a variety of genetic procedures. Which of the following rows describes the procedures of cloning, gene splicing, and gene mapping?
Row Cloning Gene Splicing Gene Mapping
A. Nucleus of a body cell
implanted into an egg DNA sequence added to the cells of an organism Identification of genes on the chromosomes of an organism
B. Section of foreign DNA inserted into the DNA of an organism
Identification of genes on the chromosomes of an organism
Picture of chromosomes
C. Identification of genes on the chromosomes of an organism
Picture of chromosomes Nucleus of a body cell implanted into an egg
D. Picture of chromosomes Nucleus of a body cell
implanted into an egg DNA sequence added to the cells of an organism
11. In the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis, researchers use viruses to carry normal genes into the airway of an individual who has cystic fibrosis. This technique is referred to as
A. mitosis
B. trisomy
C. gene therapy
Use the following information to answer the next question.
X-ray machines and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines produce electric and magnetic fields.
Some Electric and Magnetic Fields
Numerical Response
Match each of the numbers in the diagrams above with the corresponding descriptor listed below.
South pole __________ (Record in the first column) Negatively charged particle __________ (Record in the second column) North pole __________ (Record in the third column) Positively charged particle __________ (Record in the fourth column)
Use the following information to answer the next question.
Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is often used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Understanding the properties of EMR is important to ensure that it is used properly.
Technology Type of EMR Medical Application
1 Fibre optics 5 Gamma 11 Tracking blood flow
2 Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) 6 Infrared 12 Performing endoscopic surgery
3 Emission tomography
(PET and SPECT) 7 Radio 13 Soft tissue imaging
4 Thermogram 8 Visible light 14 Showing temperature distribution in tissues
Numerical Response
Match the number of one technology from the table above with the number of the type of EMR associated with that technology and with the number of the medical application associated with that technology. (There is more than one correct combination of numbers.)
Technology __________ (Record in the first column) Type of EMR __________ (Record in the second column)
Medical application __________ __________ (Record in the third and fourth columns)
Use the following information to answer the next question.
In ultrasound technology, sound waves with a frequency of 3.02 × 106 Hz and a wavelength of 5.13 × 10–4 m pass through the body. Reflected waves are analyzed by a computer to produce an image.
13. The speed of the sound waves passing through the body is
A. 1.70 × 10–10 m/s
B. 1.55 × 103 m/s
C. 3.00 × 108 m/s
D. 5.89 × 109 m/s
12. If the following types of EMR have equal intensities, then the type of EMR with the greatest energy is
A. radio
B. gamma
C. infrared
Many farmers use practices designed to minimize negative environmental impact.
Use the following information to answer the next question.
A window in a farmhouse provides passive solar heating.
Sunlight Striking Glass
Sci30_0113 Window
I II
III
IV Glass
Air
Air Sunlight
14. In the diagram above, the light ray that has been reflected is
A. I
B. II
C. III
15. Which of the following diagrams represents the circuit with the least total resistance?
Use the following information to answer the next question.
A new window is designed to control the quantity of light energy that enters a room by using a film layer containing crystals that respond to an electric current.
16. The magnitude of the resistance in the electric circuit that is used to control the quantity of light energy that passes through the window is
A. 24 Ω
B. 12 Ω
C. 0.50 Ω
Use the following information to answer the next question.
Combustion of Butane
C4H10(g) + 13 ___ 2 O2(g) → 4 CO2(g) + 5 H2O(g)
Numerical Response
Farmers sometimes use butane torches to solder electric circuits. For each mole of butane combusted, the energy released by the torch is __________ × 103 kJ.
(Record your three-digit answer in the numerical-response section on the answer sheet.) 6.
Numerical Response
Backup power for a farm is provided by a 24 000 V distribution line. The primary coil of the transformer has 11 500 turns. The number of turns that the secondary coil must have in order to deliver 240 V to the farm is __________ turns.
(Record your three-digit answer in the numerical-response section on the answer sheet.) 7.
17. The current flowing through a 1 875 W water pump that is plugged into a 110 V electrical outlet is
A. 5.87 × 10–2 A
B. 4.13 A
C. 17.0 A
19. To better manage resources, farmers often recycle water. The pH of a particular farmer’s water changes from 6.6 to 5.6 after it has been recycled, which means that the hydronium ion concentration, [H3O+(aq)], increases
A. 0.1 times
B. 1.0 times
C. 10 times
D. 100 times
18. Traditionally, barns have been painted with a red paint that gets its pigment from rusted scrap metal. Which of the following wavelengths of light is reflected by this pigment?
A. 700 nm
B. 600 nm
C. 500 nm
D. 400 nm
Use the following information to answer the next question.
A different indicator is added to each of four different samples of recycled water with a pH of 5.6.
Colours of Resulting Solutions
1 Colourless
2 Yellow
3 Blue
Numerical Response
Match the colours of the resulting solutions listed above with the indicators listed below. (You may use a number more than once.)
Methyl violet __________ (Record in the first column) Bromothymol blue __________ (Record in the second column) Bromocresol green __________ (Record in the third column) Phenolphthalein __________ (Record in the fourth column)
Use the following information to answer the next question.
A titration is performed in order to find the hydronium ion concentration [H3O+(aq)] of an acidic sample solution.
Titration Steps
1 Record the total volume of NaOH(aq) solution used to turn the sample solution green.
2 Place 10.0 mL of the acidic sample solution into a flask and add three drops of bromothymol blue.
3 Slowly drip the 0.10 mol/L NaOH(aq) solution from a burette into the flask.
4 Calculate the concentration of the acid.
Numerical Response
When the titration steps given above are listed in the order in which they are performed, their order is _____, _____, _____, and _____.
first last
Use the following information to answer the next question.
To determine the effect of acid rain on corn plants, a solution of H2SO4(aq) with a pH of 4.3 was used to water a plot of two-month-old corn plants. More corn plants were grown on another plot under similar conditions but were watered with distilled water that had a pH of 7.
Experimental Variables
1 Type of soil
2 Substance used to water plants
3 Amount of light
4 Growth of plant
Numerical Response
Match each of the experimental conditions numbered above with one of the variables given below.
Conditions: __________ __________ __________ __________
Variables: Manipulated
variable Responding variable Controlled variable Controlled variable
(Record all four digits of your answer in the numerical-response section on the answer sheet.) 10.
Use the following information to answer the next question.
A farmer’s well water has a pH between 7.6 and 8.4, depending on the season.
20. The pH of the farmer’s well water is best described as
A. very basic
B. very acidic
C. slightly basic
Use the following information to answer the next question.
Some of the substances shown in the equations below are present in the water that a farmer has recycled.
1 SO2(g) + 2 H2O(l) HSO3–(aq) + H3O+(aq)
2 H2S(g) → H2S(aq)
3 H2SO4(aq) + H2O(l) → HSO4–(aq) + H3O+(aq)
4 HCO3–(aq) + H3O+(aq) H2CO3(aq) + H2O(l)
22. Which of the following pairs of substances from the equations above represents a proton donor and a proton acceptor, respectively?
A. H2O(l) and SO2(g)
B. H2S(g) and H2S(aq)
C. H2SO4(aq) and H3O+(aq)
D. H2CO3(aq) and HCO3–(aq)
Use the following information to answer the next question.
A farmer adds a borax solution with a pH of 9.50 to his laundry to improve the performance of the detergent he uses.
21. Borax is i solution with a hydronium ion concentration [H3O+aq] of ii mol/L.
The statement above is completed by the information in row
Row i ii
A. a basic 0.98
B. an acidic 0.98
C. a basic 3.2 × 10–10
Use the following information to answer the next question.
A farmer takes old transformers to a recycling facility to prevent wastes such as PCBs from leaching into waterways.
24. PCBs tend to become more concentrated in the tissue of predators such as hawks than in the hawks’ environment because of
A. biomagnification
B. biodegradation
C. bioreplication
D. biodeposition
23. The major environmental issue associated with nitrogen compounds produced by hot internal-combustion engines is
A. acid deposition
B. global warming
C. ultraviolet ray blockage
D. biomagnification in food chains
25. Which of the following structural formulas represents a compound that is responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer?
Use the following information to answer the next question.
A farmer uses a sunscreen that contains para-amino benzoic acid (PABA).
Absorption Spectrum of PABA
Sci30_0315 PABA graph
220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340 Wavelength (nm)
Relative degr
ee of absorption
Absorption by PABA
27. The PABA in the sunscreen absorbs radiation that has a frequency of approximately
A. 8.8 × 10–16 Hz
B. 80 Hz
C. 8.0 × 1012 Hz
D. 1.1 × 1015 Hz
26. To ease the pain in sore muscles, a farmer uses a wintergreen-scented balm. Scents such as wintergreen are composed of organic compounds that are classified as
A. esters
B. halides
C. carboxylic acids
28. A bee stings a farmer, injecting methanoic acid into the farmer’s skin. Which of the following structural formulas represents methanoic acid?
Space science may have an increasing role in shaping future societies, including the development of technologies to produce energy.
Use the following information to answer the next three questions.
One futuristic scheme to produce power on a large scale proposes placing giant solar panels into Earth’s orbit, where energy generated from sunlight would be converted to microwaves and beamed to antennas on Earth for reconversion to electric power. To produce as much power as five large nuclear power plants (5.00 × 109 W total), several square kilometres of solar panels would have to be assembled in orbit. An Earth-based antenna that is eight kilometres in diameter would be required to receive microwaves from the solar modules, which would be positioned 7.52 × 106 m away from Earth’s centre.
Numerical Response
The magnitude of Earth’s gravitational field at the location of the orbiting solar panels is __________ N/kg.
(Record your three-digit answer in the numerical-response section on the answer sheet.) 11.
29. The energy that the solar panels could produce in one day is
A. 1.39 × 106 J
B. 7.20 × 1012 J
C. 1.80 × 1013 J
D. 4.32 × 1014 J
30. The direction of Earth’s gravitational field at the position of the orbiting solar panels would be
A. toward Earth, because the Sun repels Earth
B. away from Earth, because the Sun attracts Earth
C. toward Earth, because a gravitational field is always directed toward its source
31. A main difference between gravitational fields and electric fields is that
A. gravitational field strength depends on mass, but electric field strength does not
B. gravitational fields are both repulsive and attractive, but electric fields are neither
C. the constant for gravitational fields is very large compared with the constant for electric fields
D. gravitational field strength depends on the distance between objects but electric field strength does not
Use the following information to answer the next question.
Solar energy is produced by reactions occurring in stars.
A Reaction Occurring in a Star
2
a H + b 1 H → 3 2 He + dc n
Numerical Response
In order to balance the equation above, the values of a, b, c, and d are _____, _____, _____, and _____.
a b c d
32. Which of the following graphs depicts the relationship between gravitational field strength and the distance between an orbiting telescope and Earth?
Use the following information to answer the next question.
Polonium is used as an energy source in some satellites when it undergoes the reaction shown below.
210
84 Po → 206 82 Pb + 2 4 He
33. The type of radioactive decay that results when 210 84 Po decays to form 206 82 Pb is
A. gamma
B. fusion
C. alpha
35. When electromagnetic radiation from a star passes through a i after passing through a relatively cool gas, a ii spectrum can be observed.
The statements above are completed by the information in row
Row i ii
A. telescope bright-line emission
B. telescope dark-line absorption
C. spectroscope bright-line emission
D. spectroscope dark-line absorption
34. Which of the following sequences of colours represents the increasing temperature of stars?
A. Red, orange, yellow, blue
B. Red, yellow, orange, blue
C. Yellow, red, orange, blue
D. Yellow, orange, red, blue
Use the following information to answer the next question.
An environmental risk associated with burning coal is the production of acid rain.
36. A concern associated with acid rain is that it results in an increase in
A. ozone depletion
B. global temperatures
C. ultraviolet radiation
Use the following information to answer the next question.
Estimated Electricity Generation Costs from Various Sources
0 5 10 15 20 25
37. Coal is used to generate electricity to operate a 1.20 kW heater. Use the above graph to calculate the cost of running the heater continuously for one day.
A. $0.25
B. $1.00
C. $1.44
D. $5.76
Use the following information to answer the next question.
Sequence of Energy Conversions
Gravitational potential → Kinetic → Electrical
38. Which of the following types of power plant produces electricity using the sequence of energy conversions shown above?
A. Photovoltaic
B. Geothermal
C. Nuclear
39. Which of the following fuels provides the greatest quantity of energy per gram?
A. Low-sulfur coal
B. Distilled ethanol
C. Enriched uranium
D. Sweetened natural gas
40. In a CANDU nuclear reactor, energy is provided by a i reaction in which ii .
The statements above are completed by the information in row
Row i ii
A. fusion small nuclei are joined
B. fusion large nuclei are split
C. fission small nuclei are joined
D. fission large nuclei are split
Science 30 – January 2009
January 2009 Sample Answers for Short Answer
Use the following information to answer the first question.
Comparison of Vehicle Emissions for Petroleum Diesel and Biodiesel Fuels
Emissions
(grams per kilometre travelled, g/km)
Vehicle Fuel
Carbon monoxide (CO) Unburned hydrocarbons Nitrogen oxides
(NOx)
Sulfur dioxide
(SO2) Particulates
Car
Petroleum
diesel 0.42 0.08 0.64 0.05 0.15
Biodiesel 0.37 0.07 0.77 0.0 0.13
Light-duty truck
Petroleum
diesel 1.33 0.33 1.39 0.09 0.24
Biodiesel 1.16 0.24 1.67 0.0 0.24
Heavy-duty truck
Petroleum
diesel 3.92 0.45 13.06 0.28 1.07
Biodiesel 2.63 0.36 15.02 0.0 0.72
Short Answer––5% Staple your word-processed response for this question to this page.
a. Select one of the emissions shown in the table above. State one effect on either human health or the environment that is associated with the emission you select.
Carbon monoxide is a poison that binds to hemoglobin, thereby preventing red blood cells from exchanging oxygen.
Unburned hydrocarbons are strong respiratory system irritants and can combine with other substances in the atmosphere resulting in the production of photochemical smog. Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide are associated with acid deposition. Acid deposition can cause metal leaching, acidified lakes, and can affect food chains. Nitrogen oxides are also associated with the production of ground-level ozone and photochemical smog. Ground-level ozone can negatively affect plant growth and can degrade rubber.
Exposure to oxides of nitrogen or sulfur may also cause or worsen respiratory diseases. Particulate emissions are linked to the occurrence of asthma in humans. Some
particulates are carcinogenic.
*Although carbon monoxide and NOx are not considered to be greenhouse gases
b. Biodiesel is generally promoted as being a fuel that is less harmful to the
environment than petroleum diesel. Briefly explain how the data shown in the table on the previous page support the view that biodiesel is an environmentally friendly fuel and how the data contradict this view.
The response should make specific reference to data contained in the table and a comparison between levels of emissions for petroleum diesel and biodiesel; however, some credit may be given for explanation why biodiesel is or is not an environmentally friendly fuel that are not from the table (e.g. food vs. fuel controversy, price of biodiesel, etc.)
Supporting data – There is reduced emissions of carbon monoxide, unburned
hydrocarbons, and particulates when biodiesel was the fuel used in each of the vehicle types tested. Sulfur dioxide emissions are eliminated when biodiesel is used as a fuel instead of petroleum diesel. The reduction in these emissions decreases the incidence of adverse effects on the environment.
Contradictory data – NOx emissions are higher when biodiesel is used as a fuel.
Particulate levels for light-duty trucks burning petroleum or biodiesel is the same. Although the emissions of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and particulates are reduced when biodiesel is used instead of petroleum, these emissions are not eliminated; therefore, biodiesel might be considered a more environmentally friendly fuel, but not an entirely environmentally friendly fuel.
January 2009 Short Answer Scoring Guide
Score Scoring Descriptions
4
Standard of Excellence
The response is well organized and addresses all the points of the question. The health or environmental effect of the emission is complete and correct. The explanation of whether biodiesel is a more environmentally friendly fuel is consistent with the data and is correct.
3
The response is organized and addresses the major points of the question. The health or environmental effect of the emission is correct. The explanation of whether biodiesel is a more environmentally friendly fuel is consistent with the data and is mostly correct.
2
Acceptable Standard
The response is somewhat organized and addresses most of the major points of the question. The health or environmental effect of the emission is generally correct. The explanation of whether biodiesel is a more environmentally friendly fuel is generally correct.
1
The response is not wellorganized and reflects a poor understanding ofthe major points of the question. The health or environmental effect of the emission is incorrect. The explanation of whether biodiesel is a more environmentally friendly fuel is not consistent with the data or is incorrect.
0 The response does not address any of the major points of the question at an
January 2009 Sample Answer for Long Answer 1
Use the following information to answer the next question.
The bacterium Bacillus thurengenesis (Bt) produces a toxin that kills insects. A corn plant to which the Bt gene has been added produces this toxin throughout the plant.
Preliminary findings from a research study show that pollen from crops of
genetically modified corn plants causes allergic reactions/responses in people living near to the area where these crops are grown. The study further shows that these people develop fevers, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. Also, antibodies to the Bt toxin can be found in their blood.
Some scientists claim that the results from this study require further examination.
Long Answer––15% Staple your word-processed response for this question to this page.
1. a. Describe the steps that occur in the human body that would result in antibodies to the Bt toxin being present in people living close to genetically modified corn crops.
The response should contain a description of events that occur in the specific immune response to an antigen (the Bt toxin).
1. The toxins in the pollen from the genetically-modified corn plants are inhaled into the lungs or enter through the skin (first line of defense).
2. Macrophages recognize the toxin as foreign, engulf the toxin, and present the toxin antigen to helper T cells.
3. The helper T cells identify the antigen and stimulate B-cells to produce antibodies specific to the Bt toxin.
b. List two controlled variables that should be included in any further studies examining the possible link between genetically modified corn crops and the
occurrence of allergies. Choose one of the controlled variables that you have
listed and describe its importance to the validity of any conclusions that may be
drawn from further studies.
Controlled variables between an experimental group and control group might include such factors as age of group, lifestyle, proximity to similar crops without the Bt gene, absence of factories or other pollution sources, etc. For example, proximity to similar crops would be important because it could be the corn crops that are causing the allergic reaction and not the Bt toxin in particular.
Students could set up another experiment for further study to see if the Bt toxin is causing the immune response.
January 2009 Long Answer 1 Scoring Guide
Score Scoring Descriptions
4 Standard
of Excellence
The response is complete, well organized, anddemonstrates a thorough understanding of concepts. The response includes a correct description of the required steps in the immune response. The response reflects a sophisticated understanding of the use and validity of controls in experimentation.
3
The response is mostly complete, organized, and demonstratesan accurate understanding of concepts. The response includes a mostly correct
description of the required steps in the immune response. The response reflects a good understanding of the use and validity of controls in experimentation.
2 Acceptable
Standard
The response is somewhat organized anddemonstrates an adequate understanding of concepts. The response includes a generally correct
description of the steps in the immune response. The response reflects an adequate understanding of the use and validity of controls in
experimentation.
1
The response is incomplete, disorganized, anddemonstrates a poor
understanding of concepts. The response includes an incorrect description of the steps in an immune response. The response reflects an inadequate
understanding of the use and validity of controls in experimentation.
January 2009 Sample Answer for Long Answer 2
Use the following information to answer the next question.
Electricity Consumption and Generation for Selected Countries
Country Canada
United States
United
Kingdom Russia Mexico China Sweden Iceland Italy
Electricity consumption (billions of kW•h)
504 3 600 346 773 187 1 310 135 7.3 289
Electricity generation (billions of kW•h)
566 3 720 361 847 39 1 420 153 7.9 259
Percent (%) contribution for each energy source used for electricity generation
Fossil fuels 28 71 74 64 79 80 4 0.1 79
Hydro 58 6 1 21 14 19 51 82.5 18
Nuclear 13 21 23 14.5 4 1 43 0 0
Other 1 2 2 0.5 3 0.1 2 17.5 3
Long Answer––15% Staple your word-processed response for this question to this page.
2. a. List the countries that have a surplus of electricity (produce excess electricity), and list the countries that have a deficit of electricity (do not produce enough electricity). Select one country from either list, and then identify reasons for the surplus or deficit of electricity.
Surplus: Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, Sweden, Iceland
Deficit: Mexico, Italy
b. The surplus electricity produced by one country can be exported to other
countries. Select one country that produces surplus electricity, and use the
information provided in the table to list both the positive and negative aspects of producing surplus electricity in that country to sell to other countries.
Positive Aspects of Producing Surplus Electricity
Negative Aspects of Producing Surplus Electricity
- funds from the sale of electricity could be used for investments that would benefit the country (such as infrastructure, health care, social programs)
- selling excess electricity increases trade and good will between countries
- if electricity demand increases suddenly, there will not be electricity shortages (e.g. black outs)
- electricity grid infrastructure allows neighboring countries to trade electricity easily
- some energy technologies (e.g. wind turbines, coal-fired power plants) produce excess energy during non-peak demand times and if excess electricity is not sold to other countries, it would be wasted
- self-reliant not dependant on other countries
- causes greater depletion non-renewable resources, such as coal, oil, natural gas and uranium ore
- money spent on developing excess energy-production
technologies/facilities could have been spent in other areas
- surplus energy production may increase negative environmental effects in the electricity producer’s country
- geography may not allow easy or cheap export of excess electricity (e.g. Iceland is geographically isolated from other countries that might buy excess electricity)
- surplus may be wasted if there is no end user to sell the surplus to
c. Identify one energy source used to generate electricity that might be categorized
as “Other” in the table on page 6. Predict the role and impact this energy source
will have for the production of electricity in the future. Justify your prediction.
January 2009 Long Answer 2 Scoring Guide
Score Scoring Descriptions
4
Standard of Excellence
The response is complete, well organized, andreflects a thorough understanding of the issues related to electricity production.The list of countries that produce surplus electricity and have a deficit of electricity is correct. The reasons for the surplus or deficit are explicit. The positive and negative aspects of selling excess electricity are
clearlylisted and thoroughly explained. The predicted role of an alternative energy source for the future is convincing and insightful.
3 The response is of the issues related to electricity production.mostly complete, organized, The list of countries that produce surplus andreflectsan accurate understanding electricity and have a deficit of electricity is mostly correct. The reasons for the surplus or deficit are evident. The positive and negative aspects of selling excess electricity are clearlylisted. The predicted role of an alternative energy source for the future is clear and logical.
2
Acceptable Standard
The response is organized andreflects an adequate understanding of the issues related to electricity production.The list of countries that produce surplus electricity and have a deficit of electricity is generally correct. The reasons for the surplus or deficit are adequate. The positive and negative aspects of selling excess electricity are
listed. The predicted role of an alternative energy source for the future is generally logical.
1
The response is incomplete, disorganized, andreflects a poor understanding of the issues related to electricity production.The list of countries that produce surplus electricity and have a deficit of electricity is incorrect. The reasons for the surplus or deficit are limited. The positive and negative aspects of selling excess electricity are
incomplete or inaccurate. The predicted role of an alternative energy source for the future is unclear and/or not logical.
0 The response does not address any of the major points of the question at an
Science 30 January 2009 Diploma Examination
Machine-Scored Key
Question Diff Key K STS Skill
NR01 0.444 4312, 4322 A3 A3.2s1
01 0.467 B A3.2
02 0.560 D A3 A3.3S1
NR02 0.157 1321 A3.1
03 0.841 D A3.1
04 0.568 C A3.2
05 0.759 C A1.4
06 0.580 C A1.3
NR03 0.860 4231 A1.2
07 0.691 C A1 A1.2s1
08 0.667 A A1.4
09 0.620 A A3.6
10 0.742 A A3.9
11 0.801 C A3.9
NR04 0.739 1342 C1.2 C1.2s1
NR05
0.545
1812/ 2713/
3511/ 4614 C2 C2.1sts1
12 0.829 B C2.2
13 0.809 B C2 C2.1s2
14 0.590 B C2.4
15 0.386 D C1.6 C1.2s2
16 0.765 A C1 C1.3s4
NR06 0.266
2.66, 2.7,
2.65, 2.88 D2 D2.3s1
17 0.801 C C1 C1.3s4
NR07 0.697 115 C1 C1.3s6
18 0.576 A C2.2
19 0.511 C B1.3
NR08 0.768 3231 B1 B1.2s1
NR09 0.598 2314 B1 B1.2s3
NR10 0.777 2413, 2431 B1.2 B1.1s
20 0.739 C B1.2
21 0.505 C B1 B1.3s3
22 0.415 D B1.1
23 0.810 A B1.8
24 0.709 A B2.6 B2.1STS
25 0.727 A B2.3
26 0.563 A B2.1
27 0.438 D C2.1 C2.1s2
28 0.644 C B2.1
NR11 0.257 7.05 C1 C1.3s2
29 0.398 D C1 C1.3s5
Question Diff Key K STS Skill
31 0.686 A C1.3
NR12 0.489 1210 D2.5
32 0.380 C C1.3
33 0.682 C D2.6
34 0.774 A C2.9
35 0.619 D C2.9
36 0.735 D B1.9
37 0.675 C C1.7 C1.3S
38 0.734 D D2.13
39 0.663 C D2.11
