Assessment


 * __ Assessment Evidence  __**

The formative assessments that were used for this unit of study will include: · Journaling · Quizzes · Teacher observation and conferencing · First Draft documents (research plan)

Specifically, the steps of the scientific process were evaluated in the following ways:  5. **Analyze Data**-Using spreadsheet software, students will be able to organize a worksheet to collect and store data. Students will be able to choose an appropriate graph (bar graph, pie chart) to illustrate the data. Students will be able to complete the following checklist to determine if the data analysis is satisfactory.
 * 1) ** Ask a question ** - students were provided with a list containing 5 experimental questions. Students will need to determine if the question qualifies as a testable question.
 * 2) ** Background research ** -students were required to complete and submit a research plan prior to beginning an experiment.
 * 3) ** Hypothesis ** -Provide students with three different research hypothesis. Students will be able to identify the dependent, independent and controlled variable in each. Students must also be able to determine if the hypothesis is testable and measurable.
 * 4) ** Experiment Procedure ** - Using the draw tools and basic shape tools in Microsoft Word, Students will create a procedural flowchart using shapes, text and appropriate graphics that illustrates the procedures followed for their intended experiment. The procedure should include the following elements:
 * Procedure includes a description and size for all experimental and control groups?
 * Procedure includes step by step process.
 * Description of independent variable and how it will be changed is included.
 * Explanation of how the controlled variables will be maintained is included.
 * Number of times the experiment will be repeated is included.
 * Is there enough data to know if the hypothesis was correct?
 * Is the data accurate?
 * Does data chart/graph specify units of measurement for all data?
 * Have you double checked all calculations?


 * Graph/Chart assessment: **
 * Did you select the appropriate type of graph/chart to display data?
 * Does the graph have a title?
 * Have you placed the independent variable on the x-axis and the dependent variable on the y-axis?
 * Are the x and y axis labeled correctly?
 * Is the data plotted correctly?

** 6. Communicate Results ** -Students will be able to use the CAST Science Writer to format a draft of Experiment results.