Grade 7 Science

Physical Changes
(Performance Assessment)
Coke and Mentos Experiment
Instructions:
1. In groups of four, you and your group will be completing an experiment that
displays a physical change. You and your group will be observing the reaction that takes
place during the experiment in order to complete the lab problem (on the back). Each
group member will be assigned a number, and complete the duties corresponding to
their number:
a.
Group Member

Duties

Record materials being used throughout the experiment.

Record the groups hypothesis.

Record the variables of the experiment.

Drop the mentos into the coke bottle.

Record observations.
Record conclusion.

Record procedure.
Draw a sketch of the experiment/materials.

b. **If there are three group members, group member 2 also

completes group member 4s duties, and group member 3 completes group
member 1s duties.
c. **If there are five group members, group members 4 and 5 split
their duties.
2. Group members will complete the hypothesis before beginning the experiment.
3. All group members will take their materials and complete the experiment outside
(if weather permitted). Each group member is to complete their assigned duties.
4. Each member is to fulfill their assigned tasks. If a member is needing assistance,
they can ask their group members, or other groups.
5. Each member is to complete a self-evaluation on their performance throughout
the experiment and assignment.

Coke and Mentos Lab

Members:_________________________________________________________
Problem

Materials

At what point in the experiment will a physical reaction begin to take place? How long
will the reaction last once the mentos are added?

___

___

___

___

___

____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

Hypothesis

______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Variables

Controlled______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________
Manipulated______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________
Responding______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________

Observations

____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________

Procedure

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________

Conclusion

______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________

Draw a quick sketch of the experiment below:

YOUR NAME:
Self Evaluation/ Performance Assessment Task

/12

Understanding
of Scientific
Concepts

-showed
understanding of
all of the basic
concepts
-demonstrates
no
misconceptions
-always gave
complete
explanations

-showed
understanding of
most of the basic
concepts
-demonstrated
no significant
misconceptions
-usually gave
complete or
nearly complete
explanations

-showed
understanding
of some of the
basic concepts
-demonstrated
minor
misconceptions
-gave partial
explanations

-showed
understanding of
few of the basic
concepts
-gave
explanations
showing limited
understanding of
the concepts

Communication

-consistently
communicated
with clarity and
precision
-used
appropriate
science and
technology
terminology and
units of
measurement

-generally
communicated
with clarity and
precision.
-usually used
appropriate
science and
technology
terminology and
units of
measurement

-communicated
with some
clarity and
precision
-sometimes used
appropriate
science and
technology
terminology and
units of
measurement

-communicated
with little clarity
and precision
-rarely used
appropriate
science and
technology
terminology and
units of
measurement

Participation

-almost always
listened to,
shared with, and
supported the
efforts of others.
Students can feel
safe volunteering
in my students
presence

-usually listened
to, shared with,
and supported
the efforts of
others

-often listened
to, shared with,
and supported
the efforts of
others, but
sometimes was
not actively
listening or
responding

-rarely listened
to, shared with,
and supported
the efforts of
others. Often
disrupted or
discouraged
others attempts
to participate