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Objective 2.4 – Assessment
Submitted by:
Topical Team Leaders – John Luckner, Ed.D. and Sandy Bowen, Ph.D.
Nature of Science
Standard 11: Understands the nature of scientific knowledge
Level III (Grade 6-8)
_____1.Knows that an experiment must be repeated many times and yield consistent results before the results are accepted as correct
_____2.Understands the nature of scientific explanations (e.g., use of logically consistent arguments; emphasis on evidence; use of scientific principles, models, and theories; acceptance or displacement of explanations based on new scientific evidence)
_____3.Knows that all scientific ideas are tentative and subject to change and improvement in principle, but for most core ideas in science, there is much experimental and observational confirmation
Level IV (Grade 9-12)
_____ 1. Knows ways in which science distinguishes itself from other ways of knowing and from other bodies of knowledge (e.g., use of empirical standards, logical arguments, skepticism)
_____ 2. Knows that scientific explanations must meet certain criteria to be considered valid (e.g., they must be consistent with experimental and observational evidence about nature, make accurate predictions about systems being studied, be logical, respect the rules of evidence, be open to criticism, report methods and procedures, make a commitment to making knowledge public)
_____ 3. Understands how scientific knowledge changes and accumulates over time (e.g., all scientific knowledge is subject to change as new evidence becomes available; some scientific ideas are incomplete and opportunity exists in these areas for new advances; theories are continually tested, revised, and occasionally discarded)
_____ 4. Knows that from time to time, major shifts occur in the scientific view of how the world works, but usually the changes that take place in the body of scientific knowledge are small modifications of prior knowledge
Standard 12: Understands the nature of scientific inquiry
Level III (Grade 6-8)
_____1.Knows that there is no fixed procedure called "the scientific method," but that investigations involve systematic observations, carefully collected, relevant evidence, logical reasoning, and some imagination in developing hypotheses and explanations
_____2.Understands that questioning, response to criticism, and open communication are integral to the process of science (e.g., scientists often differ with one another about the interpretation of evidence or theory in areas where there is not a great deal of understanding; scientists acknowledge conflicting interpretations and work towards finding evidence that will resolve the disagreement)
_____3.Designs and conducts a scientific investigation (e.g., formulates hypotheses, designs and executes investigations, interprets data, synthesizes evidence into explanations, proposes alternative explanations for observations, critiques explanations and procedures)
_____4. Knows that observations can be affected by bias (e.g., strong beliefs about what should happen in particular circumstances can prevent the detection of other results)
_____5.Uses appropriate tools (including computer hardware and software) and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret scientific data
_____6.Establishes relationships based on evidence and logical argument (e.g., provides causes for effects)
_____7.Knows that scientific inquiry includes evaluating results of scientific investigations, experiments, observations, theoretical and mathematical models, and explanations proposed by other scientists (e.g., reviewing experimental procedures, examining evidence, identifying faulty reasoning, identifying statements that go beyond the evidence, suggesting alternative explanations)
_____8.Knows possible outcomes of scientific investigations (e.g., some may result in new ideas and phenomena for study; some may generate new methods or procedures for an investigation; some may result in the development of new technologies to improve the collection of data; some may lead to new investigations)
Level IV (Grade 9-12)
_____ 1. Understands the use of hypotheses in science (e.g., selecting and narrowing the focus of data, determining additional data to be gathered; guiding the interpretation of data)
_____ 2. Designs and conducts scientific investigations (e.g., formulates testable hypotheses; identifies and clarifies the method, controls, and variables; organizes, displays, and analyzes data; revises methods and explanations; presents results; receives critical response from others)
_____ 3. Knows that, when conditions of an investigation cannot be controlled, it may be necessary to discern patterns by observing a wide range of natural occurrences
_____ 4. Uses technology (e.g., hand tools, measuring instruments, calculators, computers) and mathematics (e.g., measurement, formulas, charts, graphs) to perform accurate scientific investigations and communications
_____ 5. Knows that conceptual principles and knowledge guide scientific inquiries; historical and current scientific knowledge influence the design and interpretation of investigations and the evaluation of proposed explanations made by other scientists
_____ 6. Knows that scientists conduct investigations for a variety of reasons (e.g., to discover new aspects of the natural world, to explain recently observed phenomena, to test the conclusions of prior investigations, to test the predictions of current theories)
_____ 7. Knows that investigations and public communication among scientists must meet certain criteria in order to result in new knowledge and methods (e.g., arguments must be logical and demonstrate connections between natural phenomena, investigations, and the historical body of scientific knowledge; the methods and procedures used to obtain evidence must be clearly reported to enhance opportunities for further investigation)
Standard 13: Understands the scientific enterprise
Level III (Grade 6-8)
_____1.Knows that people of all backgrounds and with diverse interests, talents, qualities, and motivations engage in fields of science and engineering; some of these people work in teams and others work alone, but all communicate extensively with others
_____2.Knows that the work of science requires a variety of human abilities, qualities, and habits of mind (e.g., reasoning, insight, energy, skill, creativity, intellectual honesty, tolerance of ambiguity, skepticism, openness to new ideas)
_____3.Knows various settings in which scientists and engineers may work (e.g., colleges and universities, businesses and industries, research institutes, government agencies)
_____4.Understands ethics associated with scientific study (e.g., potential subjects must be fully informed of the risks and benefits associated with the research and their right to refuse to participate; potential subjects must be fully informed of possible risks to community and property)
_____5.Knows that throughout history, many scientific innovators have had difficulty breaking through accepted ideas of their time to reach conclusions that are now considered to be common knowledge
_____6.Knows ways in which science and society influence one another (e.g., scientific knowledge and the procedures used by scientists influence the way many individuals think about themselves, others, and the environment; societal challenges often inspire questions for scientific research; social and economic forces strongly influence which science research programs are pursued and funded)
Level IV (Grade 9-12)
_____ 1. Knows that, throughout history, diverse cultures have developed scientific ideas and solved human problems through technology
_____ 2. Understands that individuals and teams contribute to science and engineering at different levels of complexity (e.g., an individual may conduct basic field studies; hundreds of people may work together on a major scientific question or technological problem)
_____ 3. Understands the ethical traditions associated with the scientific enterprise (e.g., commitment to peer review, truthful reporting about the methods and outcomes of investigations, publication of the results of work) and that scientists who violate these traditions are censored by their peers
_____ 4. Knows that science and technology are essential social enterprises, but alone they can only indicate what can happen, not what should happen
_____ 5. Understands that science involves different types of work in many different disciplines (e.g., scientists in different disciplines ask different questions, use different methods of investigation, and accept different types of evidence to support their explanations; many scientific investigations require the contributions of individuals from different disciplines; new disciplines of science, such as geophysics and biochemistry, often emerge at the interface of older disciplines)
_____ 6. Knows that creativity, imagination, and a good knowledge base are all required in the work of science and engineering
Unifying Themes (Pennsylvania, PA)
Standard 14: Apply concepts of systems, subsystems, feedback and control to
solve complex technological problems (PA)
Level IV (Grade 9-12)
_____ 1. Apply knowledge of control systems concept by designing and modeling control systems that solve specific problems
_____ 2. Apply systems analysis to predict results
_____ 3. Analyze and describe the function, interaction and relationship among subsystems and the system itself
_____ 4. Compare and contrast several systems that could be applied to solve a single problem
_____ 5. Evaluate the causes of a system’s inefficiency
Standard 15: Apply concepts of models as a method to predict and understand
science and technology (PA)
Level IV (Grade 9-12)
_____ 1. Evaluate technological processes by collecting data and applying mathematical models (e.g., process control)
_____ 2. Apply knowledge of complex physical models to interpret data and apply mathematical models
_____ 3. Appraise the importance of computer models in interpreting science and technological systems
Standard 16: Assess and apply patterns in science and technology (PA)
Level IV (Grade 9-12)
_____ 1. Assess and apply recurring patterns in natural and technological systems
_____ 2. Compare and contrast structure and function relationships as they relate to patterns
_____ 3. Assess patterns in nature using mathematical formulas
Standard 17: Analyze scale as a way of relating concepts and ideas to one
another by some measure (PA)
Level IV (Grade 9-12)
_____ 1. Compare and contrast various forms of dimensional analysis
_____ 2. Assess the use of several units of measurement to the same problem
_____ 3. Analyze and apply appropriate measurement scales when collecting data
Standard 18: Evaluate change in nature, physical systems and man made systems
(PA)
Level IV (Grade 9-12)
_____ 1. Evaluate fundamental science and technology concepts and their development over time (e.g., DNA, cellular respiration, unified field theory, energy measurement, automation, miniaturization, Copernican and Ptolemaic universe theories)
_____ 2. Analyze how models, systems and technologies have changed over time (e.g., germ theory, theory of evolution, solar system, cause of fire)
_____ 3. Explain how correlation of variables does not necessarily imply causation
_____ 4. Evaluate the patterns of change within a technology (e.g., changes in engineering in the automotive industry)
Technology Standards and Benchmarks
Standard 1: Knows the characteristics and uses of computer hardware and
operating systems
Level III (Grade 6-8)
_____1.Knows the differing capacities and trade-offs for computer storage media, such as CD-ROMs, floppy disks, hard disks, and tape drives
_____2.Types with some facility, demonstrating some memorization of keys
_____3.Connects via modem to other computer users via the internet, an on-line service, or bulletin board system
_____4. Knows basic characteristics and functions of an operating system
Level IV (Grade 9-12)
_____ 1. Knows of significant advances in computers and peripherals (e.g., data scanners, digital cameras)
_____ 2. Uses a variety of input devices (e.g., keyboard, scanner, voice/sound recorders, mouse, touch screen)
_____ 3. Knows limitations and trade-offs of various types of hardware (e.g., laptops, notebooks, modems)
_____ 4. Identifies malfunctions and problems in hardware (e.g., hard drive crash, monitor burn-out)
_____ 5. Knows features and uses of current and emerging technology related to computing (e.g., optical character recognition, sound processing, cable TV, cellular phones, ABS brakes)
Standard 2: Knows the characteristics and uses of computer software programs
Level III (Grade 6-8)
_____1.Uses advanced features and utilities of word processors (e.g., uses clip art, a spell-checker, grammar checker, thesaurus, outliner)
_____2.Knows the common features and uses of desktop publishing software (e.g., documents are created, designed, and formatted for publication; data, graphics, and scanned images can be imported into a document using desktop software)
_____3. Knows the common features and uses of spreadsheets (e.g., data is entered in cells identified by row and column; formulas can be used to update solutions automatically; spreadsheets are used in print form, such as look-up tables, and electronic form, such as to track business profit and loss)
_____4. Uses a spreadsheet to update, add, and delete data, and to write and execute valid formulas on data
_____5. Uses boolean searches to execute complex searches on a data base
Pennsylvania Standards 3.7.7.A, B, E
A. Describe the safe and appropriate use of tools, materials and techniques to answer questions and solve problems.
_____1.Identify uses of tools, machines, materials, information, people, money, energy and time that meet specific design criteria.
_____2.Describe safe procedures for using tools and materials.
_____3.Assess materials for appropriateness of use
B. Use appropriate instruments and apparatus to study materials.
_____1.Select appropriate instruments to measure the size, weight, shape and temperature of living and non-living objects.
_____2.Apply knowledge of different measurement systems to measure and record objects’ properties.
_____E. Explain basic computer communications systems.
_____1.Describe the organization and functions of the basic parts that make up the World Wide Web.
_____2.Apply advanced electronic mail functions.
_____3.Apply basic on-line research techniques to solve a specific problem.
Level IV (Grade 9-12)
_____ 1. Understands the uses of listservs, usenet newsreaders, and bulletin board systems
_____ 2. Knows how to import, export, and merge data stored in different formats (e.g., text, graphics)
_____ 3. Knows how to import and export text, data, and graphics between software programs
_____ 4. Identifies some advanced features of software products (e.g., galleries, templates, macros, mail merge)
_____ 5. Uses desktop publishing software to create a variety of publications
Standard 3: Understands the relationships among science, technology, society,
and the individual
Level III (Grade 6-8)
_____1.Knows that scientific inquiry and technological design have similarities and differences (e.g., scientists propose explanations for questions about the natural world that are always tentative and evolving, and engineers propose solutions relating to human problems, needs, and aspirations; both science and technology depend on accurate scientific information and they cannot contravene scientific laws)
_____2.Knows that science cannot answer all questions and technology cannot solve all human problems or meet all human needs
_____3.Knows ways in which technology has influenced the course of history (e.g., revolutions in agriculture, manufacturing, sanitation, medicine, warfare, transportation, information processing, communication)
_____4.Knows that technology and science have a reciprocal relationship (e.g., technology drives science, as it provides the means to access outer space and remote locations, collect and treat samples, collect, measure, store, and compute data, and communicate information; science drives technology, as it provides principles for better instrumentation and techniques, and the means to address questions that demand more sophisticated instruments)
_____5.Knows ways in which technology and society influence one another (e.g., new products and processes for society are developed through technology; technological changes are often accompanied by social, political, and economic changes; technology is influenced by social needs, attitudes, values, and limitations, and cultural backgrounds and beliefs)
_____6.Knows examples of copyright violations and computer fraud (e.g., computer hacking, computer piracy, intentional virus setting, invasion of privacy) and possible penalties (e.g., large fines, jail sentences)
_____7.Knows ways technology is used to protect the environment and prevent damage caused by nature (e.g., new building technologies protect cities from earthquakes, bacteria are used in cleaning water)
Level IV (Grade 9-12)
_____ 1. Knows that science and technology are pursued for different purposes (e.g., scientific inquiry is driven by the desire to understand the natural world and seeks to answer questions that may or may not directly influence humans; technology is driven by the need to meet human needs and solve human problems)
_____ 2. Knows ways in which social and economic forces influence which technologies will be developed and used (e.g., cultural and personal values, consumer acceptance, patent laws, availability of risk capital, the federal budget, local and national regulations, media attention, economic competition, tax incentives)
_____ 3. Knows that alternatives, risks, costs, and benefits must be considered when deciding on proposals to introduce new technologies or to curtail existing ones (e.g., Are there alternative ways to achieve the same ends? Who benefits and who suffers? What are the financial and social costs and who bears them? How serious are the risks and who is in jeopardy? What resources will be needed and where will they come from?)
_____ 4. Knows that technological knowledge is often not made public because of patents and the financial potential of the idea or invention; scientific knowledge is made public through presentations at professional meetings and publications in scientific journals
_____ 5. Knows examples of advanced and emerging technologies (e.g., virtual environment, personal digital assistants, voice recognition software) and how they could impact society
_____ 6. Observes common courtesies and acceptable use policies while telecomputing
_____ 7. Knows that mathematics, creativity, logic, and originality are all needed to improve technology
_____ 8. Knows the role of technology in a variety of careers
_____ 9. Knows that the rate of technological development and diffusion is increasing rapidly, even though individual technologies may be developed at a slow pace due to technical difficulties or consumer resistance
_____10. Knows that technology can benefit the environment by providing scientific information, providing new solutions to older problems, and reducing the negative consequences of existing technology (e.g., monitoring a habitat or measuring greenhouse gases, improving renewable energy sources, and creating scrubbers to improve coal-burning facilities)
Standard 4: Understands the nature of technological design
Level III (Grade 6-8)
_____1.Knows that the design process is a slow, methodical process of test and refinement
_____2.Knows that the design process relies on different strategies: creative brainstorming to establish many design solutions, evaluating the feasibility of various solutions in order to choose a design, and troubleshooting the selected design