Title of Artifact: Praxis II Scores Date Completed: April 30, 2011

Description of Artifact:

These scores represent my knowledge in the area that I wish to teach. By surpassing the
required passing grade of 154 points, I have demonstrated my understanding and comprehension of this
information.

Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment

I believe that this artifact best aligns with Wisconsin standard number 1: Content—The teacher
understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines she or he teaches
and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for pupils.
This test covers all of the material that I have learned throughout all of my science classes and tested on
nearly every central concept. It uses graphs, stories, equations and scenarios to evaluate my knowledge
in each area of science. By knowing the material that I will be teaching, I can focus on making the lesson
worthwhile instead of focusing on learning the material before presenting it to my students. Because I
took the time to learn the information while in my undergraduate study, I can pin point my energy on
creating lessons that will stimulate my students. I can spend more time creating experiences and not as
much time having to re-lean the material. This will be beneficial to me because I will be able to find new
and exciting ways to present material in order to catch the attention of my class. For example, instead of
reviewing the different types of plate margins, I can create new activities that will allow the students to
act out the movement of the plates and the growth of volcanoes, ridges, and rifts.

UW-Platteville School of Education KSD Alignment

My artifact best aligns with KSD number 1.a—demonstrates knowledge of content and
pedagogy. Because I know the real information, I can help debunk many misconceptions that my
students enter my classroom with. I know that educational backgrounds will differ and my goal will be to
get everyone the correct information. This artifact also aligns with KSD number 1.d—demonstrates
knowledge of resources.

Personal Reflection

What I learned about teaching/learning from this experience…

While learning all of this information during my years in school, I discovered that there are many
different ways to learn and remember information. Some ways worked better than others for me. I can
use this knowledge, as well as the knowledge in my field, to spark an interest in learning within my
students. I will be able to get students excited about science because I can show my own excitement. I
can help students learn how to learn because I had to do this for myself.

What I learned about myself as a prospective educator as a result of this artifact…

 There is a lot of information that I will be required to know when I teach. By achieving the score
that I did, I now have the confidence in myself that is needed to teach in a classroom full of question-
asking students. I also know that there will be some questions that I do not know. Science is an ever
changing field, and by knowing what resources to tap, I hope to find all of the answers to the questions
that I am asked.