Science Alignment & Testing Teaching & Learning January 15, 2010 Cari Jo Kiffmeyer

Organization of the Standards 2009 Standards2004 Standards I. Nature of Science and Engineering 1. The Practice of Science 2. The Practice of Engineering 3. Interactions Among Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) and Society I. History and Nature of Science A. Scientific World View B. Scientific Inquiry C. Scientific Enterprise D. Historic Perspectives

Organization of the Standards 2009 Standards2004 Standards II. Physical Science 1. Matter 2. Motion 3. Energy 4. Human Interactions… II. Physical Science A. Structure of Matter B. Chemical Reactions C. Energy Transformations D. Motion E. Forces of Nature

Organization of the Standards 2009 Standards2004 Standards III. Earth & Space Science 1. Earth Structure and Processes 2. Interdependence within the Earth System 3. The Universe 4. Human Interactions… III. Earth & Space Science A. Earth Structure and Processes B. The Water Cycle, Weather and Climate C. The Universe

Organization of the Standards 2009 Standards2004 Standards IV. Life Science 1. Structure & Function in Living Systems 2. Interdependence Among Living Systems 3. Evolution in Living Systems 4. Human Interactions with Living Systems IV. Life Science A. Cells B. Diversity of Organisms C. Interdependence of Life D. Heredity E. Biological Populations Changes Over Time F. Flow of Matter and Energy G. Human Organism

2004 vs Benchmarks K - 5 Graphic from MDE – John Olson Number of Benchmarks

2004 vs Benchmarks Middle School 6-8 Graphic from MDE – John Olson Number of Benchmarks

2004 vs 2009 Benchmarks High School - Biology Graphic from MDE – John Olson Number of Benchmarks

Biggest Change - No Banding Why grade specific standards? What considerations should be made?

Notable Differences K - 5 K-2 - No extinction - Grade 1 – animals only - Grade 2 – plants only Grades No Solar System (old standards) - Changed to Sun, Moon & Stars - No weather/clouds (old standards) Grade 5 - Weakest alignment (w/ FOSS)

Notable Differences 6-8 Grade 6 - No static Electricity - Addition of Waves and Sound Grade 7 - Addition of Physical Science (Matter) Grade 8 - Addition of Physical Science (6 benchmarks, 2 standards)

Changes for Wayzata Moving kits from grades 1 to 2, 3 to 4 New Plants – Insects, Earth Materials Addition of 2 new kits: Matter and Energy – grade 4 Sun Moon and Stars – grade 3 Kits moved to Optional Ideas and Inventions Human Body

Engineering Standards What is difference between engineering and scientific method/process skills? How do we teach the engineering standards? How does FOSS handle engineering?

Engineering Standards - FOSS Implicit in some units Will require classroom teachers to identify and then supplement to teach No specific direction for teachers in teacher guide Not supplemented well in science stories A Suggestion Develop something more than what is currently in FOSS either with Clearly identified supplemental material Incorporate parts of all of EIE –Engineeering is Elem curriculum for grade

What is engineering? Science: A body of knowledge Seeks to describe and understand the natural world and its physical properties Scientific knowledge can be used to make predictions Science uses a process--the scientific method--to generate knowledge Engineering: Design under constraint Seeks solutions for societal problems and needs Aims to produce the best solution given resources and constraints Engineering uses a process--the engineering design process--to produce solutions and technologies Technology: The body of knowledge, processes, and artifacts that result from engineering Almost everything made by humans to solve a need is a technology Examples of technology include pencils, shoes, cell phones, and processes to treat water

Engineering Design Process ASK What is the problem? What have others done? What are the constraints? IMAGINE What are some solutions? Brainstorm ideas. Choose the best one. PLAN Draw a diagram. Make lists of materials you will need. CREATE Follow your plan and create it. Test it out! IMPROVE Talk about what works, what doesn't, and what could work better. Modify your design to make it better. Test it out!

Comparison of typical processes Observation and form a question Hypothesis & procedure Conduct an experiment Refine hypothesis and experiment again Form a conclusion and communicate it Result: Facts & theories Define the problem and the resources available Develop a design Test the design Modify the design and test again Analyze the design and use or market it Result: Products & processes Science Inquiry Engineering Design from MDE – John Olson

FOSS Correlation Foss Correlation FOSS Recommended Alignment Files available at under Science: Science Alignment and Testinghttp://

Sample Alignment Wayzatas Alignment FOSS Correlation to that alignment FOSS Correlation Sample Unit Document Files available at under Science: Science Alignment and Testinghttp://

Key to Success Science Notebooks Training available through FOSS

EIE Engineering is Elementary

How to use EIE… In conjunction with FOSS. EIE coorelation File available at under Science: Science Alignment and Testinghttp://

MCA III Science Testing Teaching & Learning January 15, 2010 Cari Jo Kiffmeyer

MCA III Science No release of item type information thoughts that there will be short constructed response that is computer scored Cognitive Level Changes/Comparison Operational Form Comparisons

Cognitive Level Comparison MCA III MCA II

Cognitive Level Comparison MCA III Based on Norman Wells Depth of Knowledge Levels Level 1 - recall Level 2 – skill/concept Level 3 – strategic thinking MCA II Follows Blooms Taxonomy Level A = Knowledge Level B = Understanding Level C = Application, Analysis, Synthesis, Evaluation

MCA III Grade 5 comparison Taken from Test Specs 2009 and 2004

MCA III Grade 5 by substrand Taken from Test Specs 2009

MCA III Grade 8 comparison Taken from Test Specs 2009 and 2004

MCA III Grade 8 by substrand Taken from Test Specs 2009

MCA III High School comparison Taken from Test Specs 2009 and 2004

MCA III Grade 9-12 Taken from Test Specs 2009

Looking at new standard requirements File available at under Science: Science Alignment and Testinghttp://