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  • Using Formative Assessment And Feedback To Improve Science Teacher Practice

    Book Chapter |

    The authors in this chapter advocate use of the Reformed Teacher Observation Protocol (RTOP). This tool was originally developed for research on secondary physics teacher’s classroom practices, by science teachers for…

  • Using Data To Move Schools From Resignation To Results: The Power Of Collaborative Inquiry

    Book Chapter |

    In this chapter, the author studies the impact of school communities’ analysis of multiple sources of student assessment data on their instructional decisions and organizational responses. The author poses simple…

  • From Practice to Research and Back: Perspectives and Tools in Assessing for Learning

    Book Chapter |

    In this chapter, the authors draw on research and teacher practice to share the story of their own professional inquiry that led them to an exciting marginal space between the worlds of classroom teachers and education…

  • Documenting Early Science Learning

    Book Chapter |

    Young children are fascinated by the natural world. They think about how things work, what is alive, and why some things change their shape and form. Science explorations such as planting, animal studies, and cooking…

  • Using Science Notebooks as an Informal Assessment Tool

    Book Chapter |

    Science notebooks have been promoted as a means to enhance students’ scientific and literacy skills and as formative assessment tools for teachers. The author hopes this chapter will help you find ways to make science…

  • Assessing Middle School Students’ Content Knowledge And Reasoning Through Written Scientific Explanations

    Book Chapter |

    In this chapter, the authors discuss an instructional framework for scientific explanations, provide a set of rubrics to assess student work, illustrate types of feedback to give students, and describe how to develop…

  • Assessment Of Laboratory Investigations

    Book Chapter |

    The assessment of a laboratory investigation has two distinct components. The first is an evaluation of the quality of the laboratory investigation itself: Does it meet the criteria for a desired laboratory experience?…

  • Assessing Science Knowledge: Seeing More Through the Formative Assessment Lens

    Book Chapter |

    In this chapter, the authors focus on classroom assessment practice, with emphasis placed on embedded diagnostic assessment. Embedded assessment activities require teachers and students to rethink their responsibilities…

  • Exploring the Role of Technology-Based Simulations in Science Assessment: The Calipers Project

    Book Chapter |

    In this chapter, the authors describe a project funded by the National Science Foundation, “Calipers: Using Stimulation to Assess Complex Science Learning.” This project is a two-year demonstration project that aims to…

  • Theory Behind The Book

    Book Chapter |

    This book, and particularly the stories which lie within, provide an opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning and learn science in a way that will give them a more positive attitude about science. In…

  • Oatmeal Bugs

    Book Chapter |

    The mystery here has a lot to do with the life cycle of the insect in the cereal and what the various stages were that Emma found in the box. However, it is important that children get to know more about the most…

  • Dried Apples

    Book Chapter |

    Water makes up a very high percentage of all living things. This story is aimed at providing children with the opportunity to measure the surprising amount of water found in fruit. It also provides an opportunity for…

  • Seed Bargains

    Book Chapter |

    Children as well as adults are usually intrigued by the ideas of bargains. More seeds for less money is often enough to convince them to buy a larger, cheaper package. In this case, the children are savvy enough to…

  • Trees From Helicopters

    Book Chapter |

    This story is aimed at promoting not only inquiry into the germination of tree seeds but seeing trees as typical flowering plants, also known as angiosperms. There is also ample opportunity to take an excursion into…

  • The Magic Balloon

    Book Chapter |

    For this story, the main purpose is to explore the relationship between temperature and pressure of gases but it may spill over into the concepts of floating and density in older children. It also asks questions about…

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