Module #2: Recognizing Science Ideas, Practices, and Skills | Meal

This unit is part of Dig Into Science learning modules, part of the ACESSE project. Dig into Science is designed to introduce teachers, paraprofessionals, principals, or anyone else to current science education, often called “three dimensional” science education.

Meal (30-60 minute learning experience)

Please view this video prior to starting this module.

Ready to dig a little deeper to ensure all students should have access to quality science learning opportunities? Excellent, you have come to the right place! Below you will find additional resources to help you create engaging experiences for your students. Be sure to also check out our “Bite” and “Snack” sections as well, as not all resources are repeated here.

Assessments should value multiple modes of engagement and expression by giving students opportunities to engage in open-ended and extended tasks. This authentic approach is better aligned with how scientists work and can lower the anxiety associated with high-stakes assessments. Also, using fewer language-embedded items may assist emergent bilingual learners. Justice-focused assessments are assessments where students use science knowledge and engineering design practices to solve problems involving matters related to the unequal distribution of consequences (e.g., benefits, harms) to communities that result from human-nature interactions and/or unequal voice of communities in matters affecting their thriving and sustainability. Justice-centered assessments are pertinent when assessing performance expectations that require students to engage in engineering practices, because such practices involve developing and testing solutions that address human needs. In addition, justice-centered assessments engage students with the idea of science as a human endeavor.

Choose at least one of the PD Session Resources or two of the following STEM Teaching Tools to engage in deeper learning of 3D science classroom assessments:

• Designing an Assessment System that Measures Three-Dimensional Science Learning

• How teachers can develop formative assessments that fit a three-dimensional view of science learning

• How to design assessments for emerging bilingual students

• Using 3D interim assessments to support coherence, equity, and a shared understanding of learning

• Steps to Designing Justice-Focused Assessments in Science