Cell Phones
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Approach:  Station ACCESS
Level: Year 8
Focus: Summarising and comparing information to make a decision  
Resources:
2 pamphlets, cell phones, answer booklet
369Kb
Questions/instructions:


Emily wants to buy a new cell phone. She wants it for text messaging, playing games and phoning her Mum.

1. Look at the two pamphlets on cell phones. [Information correct at time of task development in 2005]
 
% responses
2009 ('05)
y8
venn diagram2. Fill in the diagram to help Emily choose a phone.

Make notes about each phone in the circles.

Where the circles join, write the things that are the same about the two phones.		  
3. Circle the phone that Emily should buy.   One Touch 332      One Touch 565  

One Touch 332 only: [Click on graphics to enlarge.]One touch 332

 Relevant features:
(menu easy to find; text menus easy to read; screen can be changed; sturdy metallic body; lightweight (77g); small size (98x42x21 mm); zoom effect; silent vibrating system; $199)		  
5 or more relevant features
2 (3)
3-4 relevant features
16 (14)
1-2 relevant features
54 (56)
   

One Touch 565 only: [Click on graphics to enlarge.]One touch 565

 Relevant features:
(video player; camera; $299; changeable colour screens; take photo and send while talking; downloadable games; can be used for news & information)
  
5 or more relevant features
7 (9)
3-4 relevant features
31 (32)
1-2 relevant features
45 (46)
Use of Venn Diagram:
diagram filled in correctly
73 (77)
information for each phone correct BUT intersection of circles not used
8 (6)
4. Why is this the best phone for Emily?
good justification
21 (25)
some justification
48 (43)
 
 
Total score:
9–10
3 (4)
7–8
18 (20)
5–6
39 (39)
3–4
22 (20)
0–2
18 (18)
Subgroup Analysis [Click on charts to enlarge] :
Year 8
 
Commentary:
Year 8 students were moderately successful at comparing different cell phones using a Venn diagram. They were able to find some features to enter into the diagram, but typically did not list many features, nor were they able to provide strong justifications for their choices. Performance was very similar in 2005 and 2009. Girls outperformed boys and Pakeha students outperformed Mäori and Pasifika children.