522-120 Techniques for Science

Performance Assessment Task Written Response

Points Possible = 25
Target Competencies
Explore safety issues related to science instruction.
Directions
1. Read scenario entitled A Learning Experience for Amanda.
2.

Write a response to each of the following:

o
How could Amanda have better prepared her students for the activity? By making sure all
students had something to write with and if they didnt to get something. Going over the
directions to ensure all students understood the assignment. You must list at least three
preparations that could have been done prior to the activity. After dividing into 2 groups hand
out all supplies, go over the assignment again to clarify, check in with the groups to see how
they are doing.
o
What types of problems should Amanda have predicted ahead of time? Not having writing
utensils,the students rushing off before getting supplies, not understanding the directions. You
must list at least three.
o
Were the materials needed for the science activity appropriate for the situation? Yes I feel
they are, they just needed to be handed out in a better way.
o
How would you have efficiently distributed materials to the two groups? I would have
handed out the supplies and then asked the students to go find and dig their hole.
o
What are the four safety concerns of this type of activity? Eye protection, sharp objects,
lack of supervision, misunderstanding, not prepared.
o
What are four safety guidelines/procedures that should have been done before or during
this activity? Having the students get goggles, go over safety for the sharp objects, have the
student dig closer together so Amanda can keep an eye on both groups, washing up after
digging and touching things.
3.

Document must be a product of quality (good grammar, mechanics, and format).

4.

Review and follow scoring guide criteria as you complete this assessment.

5. As you complete this assessment, reflect upon and include information you have
gained from the readings and activities of this learning plan.
6.

Submit to instructor.

A Learning Experience for Amanda

Amanda is an instructional assistant who has been assigned to
work with a small group of students to complete a science
experiment. She is to take the students out into the school
wetlands. They are to dig a hole 2 feet down and chart the kinds
of things they find, along with a description of the soil found at the
varying depths. Amanda is given six students, two shovels,
spades, spoons, notebooks, magnifying glasses and enough
rubber gloves for all students.
The students and Amanda go out into the wetlands. She puts
students into two groups and tells them to go and find a spot to
dig their hole. The children run off to separate parts of the
wetlands. Once the children have chosen their spots, they run
back to Amanda and ask her for shovels. Group A grabs their
shovel and runs back to their spot before Amanda can give them
the rest of their supplies. She gives Group B their supplies and
makes sure they are ready to go before heading over to group A.
By the time Amanda gets to group A, they have already dug the
hole and have not charted any information and have started to
argue about who gets to do the digging.
It is decided that group A needs to start over so they can record
the data as they go. When they go to write down the information,
they realize that no one has a pencil or pen to write with. Ben is
asked to run back into the school to get a pencil.
When Amanda gets back to see how group B is doing, she
realizes that they didnt understand the directions and have only

recorded what was at the bottom of the 2 foot hole. Group B then
needs to start over as well.
By the time Ben gets back with the pencil, it is time to go back to
the classroom for gym class.

Scoring Standards
E = Excellent, shows evidence of high order thinking, support for response is included,
no revision needed. Citing sources adds credibility and support to response. Criterion is
met above and beyond expectation.
A = Acceptable, criterion met
N = Needs improvement, criterion attempted but not fully met. Errors and/or omissions
are significant.
0=
Not attempted.
Scoring Guide Criteria and Ratings
No.

Criteria

1.

Learner identifies three preparations necessary for a

science activity.

2.

Learner predicts three potential problems that may arise

during a science activity.

3.

Learner identifies appropriate materials for a science

activity.

4.

Learner describes effective material distribution for a

science activity.

5.

Learner identifies four safety concerns related to a science

activity.

6.

Learner identifies four safety guidelines according to

the NSTA's current position statement on safety and
school science instruction that could apply to the given
science activity..

7.

Learner produces a product of quality (grammar, mechanics,

and format).
Total Points Earned

/ 21