Science assessments focus on science concepts, processes, and applications. As teachers plan for instructional options, multiple preassessment strategies should be considered. Students independently write what they know, what they want to know, and what they have learned about a topic. Analysis of the KWL can reveal students interests, content knowledge, and misconceptions. Questions generated in this process can be used by the teacher to design instruction.
Students independently create a drawing or diagram with labels to show what they know.
This visual helps students construct meaning and will reveal accurate conceptions, naive conceptions, and misconceptions. All scientific diagrams are expected to follow accepted scientific format. Evaluation is based on depth of thinking by the student, ability to extend concepts and completion of the task. Students are asked to independently explain their understanding of a topic. Probing questions by the teacher help determine students' understanding of science concepts.