The New Fifth Grade Science Test

Overview n The problem/Expectations n Test Blueprints/Format n Standards K-5 –Spiral effect –Prior knowledge n What can we do now

What is the problem? n Math and science scores have been falling and the politicians chose to create standards based tests. –As educators we are being asked to teach the standards. –Districts are being asked to buy the curriculum the state feels meets the standards –The tests are supposedly based on the standards

The real questions n Are we as fifth grade teachers responsible for making sure our students know all the information that will be on the fifth grade test? n Are we being set up to fail?

n How is a student going to remember a concept in electricity that may have been taught in Oct. of their fourth grade year and not be tested on the information until April of their fifth grade year? (1 1/2 years later)

Fifth Grade Test n Written by Ca. Dept. of Ed. & McGraw Hill n minutes n Multiple choice format –Printed within the test booklet n Covers 4th & 5th grade standards –40% is 4th grade standards –60% is 5th grade standards

n 4 content areas –Physical = 30% of the test –Life = 30% of the test –Earth = 30% of the test –Investigation & Experimentation = 10% n Some areas of the standards are not assessable in multiple choice format or available for state wide use n Students need to interpret tables, graphs and diagrams n Students will rely on prior knowledge of science concepts

Standards Spiral using Matter n K- Properties of materials can be observed, measured and predicted. n 1st- Materials come in different forms (states), including solids, liquids, and gases. n 3rd- Energy and matter have multiple forms and can be changed from on form to another. n 5th- Elements and their combinations account for all the varied types of matter in the world.

5th physical science standards only n 1. Elements and their combinations account for all the varied types of matter in the world –a. Students know that during chemical reactions the atoms in the reactants rearrange to form products with different properties –b. Students know all matter is made of atoms, which may combine to form molecules –c. Students know metals have properties in common, such as high electrical and thermal conductivity. –d. Students know that each element is made of one kind of atom and that the elements are organized in the periodic table by their chemical properties

–e. Students know scientists have developed instruments that can create discrete images of atoms and molecules that show that the atoms and molecules often occur in well-ordered arrays. –f. Students know differences in chemical and physical properties of substances are used to separate mixtures and identify compounds. –g. Students know properties of solid, liquid, and gaseous substances, such as sugar (C 6 H 12 O 6 ), water (H 2 O), Helium (He), oxygen (O 2 ), nitrogen (N 2 ), and carbon dioxide (CO 2 )

–h. Students know living organisms and most materials are composed of just a few elements. –i. Students know the common properties of salts, such as sodium chloride (NaCl).

n As a fifth grade teacher I only have time to teach the standards at one grade level. I rely heavily on prior knowledge from the other grades.

Test comparison n CAT6 - California Achievement Test 6th edition (first 5th grade) n Oregon- Statewide Assessment (5th- 2001) n Texas- Assessment of Knowledge & Skills (TAKS) 5th n Mass.- Comprehensive Assessment Systems (MCAS Jan. 98) n Georgia- Criterion Referenced Comprehension Test (CRCT rd-8th)

Ways to review n Allow students to access games or materials based on the 4th grade standards. –Memory or bingo games using vocabulary for a rock & mineral unit –Sliders (can be taken home) –Flash cards with pictures –Swat game

Rocks & Minerals Memory Game

Internet sites n n n n