Evaluating and Assessing Level 2

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Criteria and Rubrics

Assessing students is often a matter of placing them along a continuum of learning. This can help in both assessment for learning and assessment of learning. MyScience web site has a resource that describes the continuum of learning that occur across the aspects of scientifically investigating of:

Heinemann published a book ‘Seamless Assessment in Science – A Guide for Elementary and Middle School Teachers’ by Sandra K. Abell and Mark J. Volkmann in 2006. Chapter 3 of this book, including vignettes, is available online around the theme of life sciences and the 5 E’s approach to science instruction. While there is no example of assessment of a scientific investigation, there are a range of assessment strategies for a range of levels and scientific concepts.

The Assessment Resources Centre (ARC) of the NSW Board of Studies provides a detailed grade commentary on work samples in an activity based on Investigating Scientifically for stage 2 students. Work samples with explanations are provided on this web site and provide insights into developing ‘consistent teacher judgement’ when using the A-E grading system used in NSW schools. Six criteria for assessing learning are listed. This site also links to an activity to compare the strengths of various magnets for the same stage level. Links to a task in which stage 3 students investigate ways to construct a working simple electric circuit are also displayed.