Elementary Science Exemplars

Introduction

Letter of Support from the Science Department

June 2001

Dear Teachers,

This document gives you a set of Open Response Key Questions (ORKQ), one for each of the 22 BPS elementary science topics. (They do not cover 100% of the key concepts, however.) As of this publication date, we have collected student work (from BPS students) for several of these ORKQ. The rubric used in assessing is included. As work continues, updates and more student work will be published on the Internet. Currently, we are using http://scienceforall.com.

In addition to matching the BPS Science Learning Standards, these ORKQ reflect the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework, both current (1996) and proposed (December 20, 2000 version).

Most of these ORKQ are connected to BPS student computer competencies and several can be used to assess student computer skills. Use of templates for our standard applications offers those students who perform better at a keyboard the opportunity for a more successful science assessment process.

This work connects to current BPS Instructional Materials. Currently, units from four publishers are in use: Discovery Works (DW), Science and Technology for Children (STC), Insights, and Full Option Science System (FOSS). These kits are available in each elementary school. Information on replenishment of consumables can be obtained by contacting the Science Department at 635-8750.

This work began with the BC Exemplars project (1998-1999), a group of BPS teachers of science, K-12. Special thanks are given to them for laying the foundation for this project. In particular, they led the effort at developing the holistic rubric, which is part of our work here.

This rubric emphasizes efficiency while identifying the level of a student’s performance. We have refined it based on experience and the BPS Science Department endorses its use. (The BPS Key Questions Task Description Scoring Guide published elsewhere provides a more heavily detailed tool.) While there is a Language Arts component to the rubric, we have used only the Science Content portion here (and this is how we usually it in each of our classrooms, too.)

BPS, through the MetroLINC project, has been training teachers and putting computers into classrooms. We are at the point of integrating them directly into the curriculum. Their use here is as a recording tool during assessment and as a resource in learning more through high quality web sites designed for young children. Having these tools available will support the growth of computer skills in our teachers and students. This integration means that those children who perform better at a keyboard will have greater opportunities for academic success. What if you don’t have the computers? If the use of a computer lab is not an option, then those who benefit the most can use one. Also, some students complete the assessment the traditional way now and have a later opportunity to try a computer-supported assessment.

This document does not provide an ORKQ to address all of the State and BPS learning standards. It will, however, give you background to develop ones of your own or modify these. If you do and have student responses that you would like to share, please contact a member of the team. As this work continues, the online version of the document will be expanded.

1. Select the Standard(s) and scoring rubric.
2. Decide how a student will show ‘proficient’ knowledge (Level 3) of the standard(s).
3. Decide on supporting background, such as a picture, to help the student understand the problem.
4. Write the instructions, including specifics on the level of detail required.
5. Check ‘readability’ to make certain language is appropriate to the grade level.
6. Provide multiple parts to each ORKQ: the first one should check basic levels of knowledge, and the next ones more complex knowledge (use Bloom’s Taxonomy to check for this).
7. Brainstorm with others on the assessment idea before using it.
8. Use the ORKQ with students and modify (what may work to us may not work for a student).

Distribution details:

We hope you find our work useful. Please feel free to contact any of us.