*Nature of Science (NSSTP 2c). Lesson engage students in NOS elements as a regular part of instruction, including opportunities for students to critically analyze false or doubtful assertions made in the name of science (NOS as defined by NSTA position statement) Lesson plans include at least two examples of the NOS which may include false or doubtful assertions in science (NOS as defined by NSTA position statement). Lesson plans do not explicitly teach the NOS including false or doubtful assertions in science. Dev. Appropriate (NSSTP 5a, 5b, 5e) Lesson plans are developed for the appropriate target grade level. Lesson plans demonstrate knowledge of how adolescents learn science and what students are able to do, which includes alternative ideas that learners may have. Lesson plans have some evidence, but clear knowledge of how students learn science is not provided. Lesson Plans do not provide connection to how students learn science. *Inquiry *Issues in Science (NSSTP 4b). Lesson plans provide opportunities for students to analyze problems and consider risk, costs, and benefits of alternative solutions that relate to students’ values. Lesson plans provide opportunities for students to analyze problems and consider alternative solutions. Lesson plans do not provide opportunities for students to analyze problems and consider alternative solutions. *Science in the Community (NSSTP 7b). Lesson plans provide students opportunities to interact with local science resources, resolve issues, and involve stakeholders. Lesson plans provide students with opportunities to interact with local science resources. Lesson plans do not provide students with opportunities to interact with local science resources. SAFETY Safety materials (NSSTP 9b). Proficient is met and students are assessed on their knowledge of safe use and handling of materials. Classroom management issues related to materials are addressed. All aspects of the safe use and handling of materials related to the Unit Plan are included, such as MSDS sheets, preparation of solutions, storage of materials, and dispensing of all science materials. Lesson plans do not include complete guidelines for the preparation, dispensing, and disposal of all science materials. Safety procedures (NSSTP 9c) Proficient level is met, Procedures are appropriate for the abilities of students, and students are evaluated on their knowledge of safety procedures. Appropriate safety contract included. Lesson plans contain all applicable emergency and safety procedures and methods for maintaining safety equipment. Lesson plans do not contain applicable emergency and safety procedures and/or safety contract is absent.
Ethical treatment of living organisms (NSSTP 9d) Proficient is met and include students in a discussion of ethical treatment and care of living organisms as applicable to the Unit Plan. Lesson plans include applicable procedures for the ethical treatment and care of living organisms. Ethical treatment and care of living organisms is incomplete or absent ASSESSMENT Assessments to guide instruction (NSSTP 8b) Proficient level and lesson plans demonstrate various approaches to performance-based assessments. 80% of lesson plans show the use of pre and post assessments in the cognitive domain. Assessments address science specific elements (content, NOS, Inquiry, Issues) that are designed to be used to guide instruction. 50% of lesson plans and the unit show the use of pre and post assessments in the cognitive domain. Not all elements are assessed in the Unit Plan. Multiple assessment (NSSTP 8a) Assessments show 1) alignment with instruction; 2) age appropriate, 3) gather data for diagnostic, formative and summative use; 4) used to guide instruction, 5) encourage critical thinking in students, 6) assesses possible misconceptions and 7) include a rubric and answer key for each assessment. Assessments meet 3 or 4 of the areas in Exemplary and may be weak or absent in the remaining areas. Assessments meet 0 or 2 of the areas in Exemplary and may be weak or absent in the remaining areas. Student self analysis (NSSTP 8c) Lesson plans provide structure for students to analyze their own learning and reflect on and change their own work. Lesson plans provide opportunities for students to analyze their own learning or reflect on their own work. Lesson plans either do not provide students opportunities to analyze and reflect or opportunities are not appropriate for Unit Plan. TOTALS NOTE: Preservice Teachers are required to re-work their project until a proficient level is reached in all mandatory * sections