Assessing Science Investigations

Choose True or False

Question 1

The STANSW Young Scientist Scoring Rubric has four levels of achievement.

1. True
2. False

Feedback:

1. Yes. Young Scientist is scored on four levels of achievement, with level four the top level.
2. The STANSW Young Scientist Scoring Rubric has four levels of achievement, with level one being the lowest level. It represents an non-scientific attempt to explore a question.

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Question 2

A student in years 3-6 who has planned and conducted a fair test could achieve at level 2, 3 or 4.

1. True
2. False

Feedback:

1. Incorrect. To achieve a level 4, a student from years 3-6 must do more than just plan and conduct a fair test. They must also show a high level of understanding and have adopted a creative or innovative approach to their investigation. Students can also achieve a level 2 with little consideration of conducting a fair test investigation.
2. Correct. Level 2 describes an investigation in which there has been little consideration of fair testing. Levels 3 and 4 are achieved when the student has conducted a fair test.

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Question 3

Generally a student who achieves a level 1 assessment has not engaged in a scientific investigation.

1. True
2. False

Feedback:

1. The lowest level of achievement indicates that the student has no real understanding of science investigations or questions that can be scientifically investigated.
2. Level 1 is a very basic level of achievement. It demonstrates either a lack of effort or understanding of what a scientific investigation involves.

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Question 4

Making a prediction is a process of scientific investigations that is recognised within the scoring rubrics.

1. True
2. False

Feedback:

1. Correct. In years K-2 students may not understand fair testing, but should (at levels 2, 3 and 4) at least, attempt to predict results. Level 4 for students from 3-6 expects appropriate prediction of outcomes.
2. Wrong. Judging criteria state that students need to be able to make predictions. Predictions are explicitly stated in level 4 of years 3-6 and levels 2-4 of years K-2.

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Question 5

The Young Scientist rubric for years 3-6 recognises innovation and creativity.

1. True
2. False.

Feedback:

1. Correct. An innovative or creative approach to a scientific investigation is recognised at the highest level, level 4 of the rubric and may also be demonstrated at level 3.
2. Incorrect. It is recognised at the highest level of achievement.

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