Reviewed by Suzanne Mecouch
K-12 Supervisor of Science
Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Vol.II is a sequel not to be missed if you are looking to use formative assessment to teach for conceptual change. With high-stakes testing on the horizon, teachers need access to affordable, helpful resources such as those offered here.
Using the same format as Volume I, this book contains another 25 field-tested, physical, life, Earth, and space science formative assessment probes. They are each easy to administer and easy to analyze.
Each probe consists of several short, readable, descriptive paragraphs in a reproducible format. There is a diagram to help describe the situation. Learners are asked a question about the situation to which they must respond with one of three given choices. Most importantly, learners must explain the thinking behind their choice.
Each probe clearly links teaching and learning. Aligned with the National Science Education Standards and AAAS Benchmarks, they can be used in grades K-12. With suggestions for instruction and assessment and links to related research, the probes can be easily be incorporated into a lesson before, during, or after instruction.
Review posted on 6/14/2007
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