"A Framework for K-12 Science Education" identifies eight science and engineering practices for K-12 classrooms. These practices, along with core ideas and crosscutting concepts, define the nation's learning goals for science. The practices outlined in the framework are: (1) Asking questions and defining problems; (2) Developing and using models;…

This article discusses the resources available for teachers to apply higher-level thinking and cognitive complexity to their instruction and assessments. While designing higher-level assessments might be a challenging task, doing so not only can improve student achievement in science, it also prepares students for a changing world. Students learn…

Design briefs are plausible situations in which students are asked to solve problems given limited materials, a specific time frame, and a number of rules and limitations. It is the author's contention that the design brief, an established format in technology education, can serve as a unique approach to extend and assess everyday science…

Describes an alternative assessment approach to measure the knowledge and skills of students at the end of a hands-on, process-, and concept-oriented science program. Four segments of the evaluation are: general knowledge, laboratory skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and teacher-specific assessments. Emphasizes retention of…

Presents an activity from the track and field unit of the Science of Sporting Events program in which teachers and students experiment with four broad jump techniques in order to determine which method will allow them to jump the farthest. Enables students to use a variety of math and science skills including observing, predicting, measuring, and…

Describes an activity that teaches a number of scientific concepts including indirect measurement, Newton's third law of motion, manipulating and controlling variables, and the scientific method of inquiry. Uses process skills such as observation, inference, prediction, mensuration, and communication as well as problem solving and higher-order…