This is part 5 of a 5 part series on Science Planning. We have previously discussed getting kids excited, exploring the material, explaining, elaborating and experimenting and today’s topic is the evaluation. Stay with me here.
Why do we need assessment?
Somehow in the education world assessment has become a bad word. Assessment is not the enemy because it allows kids to receive feedback and gives them an opportunity to use new skills.
I am not talking about standardized tests. That is a completely different animal. I am talking about individual assessment within your teaching setting.
Evaluating students is as variable as different teachers and students. You may use formal or informal assessments to evaluate a lesson or unit, but don’t feel like each lesson needs a big test.
Evaluating students is as variable as teaching settings. You may use formal or informal assessments to evaluate a lesson or unit.
The first step is to decide what you want the kids to learn.
In my planning, I think about assessment first. I try to frame each unit with the goals (or objectives) of the unit in mind. This helps to create meaningful lessons that move towards those goals.
If you are following a curriculum, it will include learning objectives or a scope & sequence to use as a guide. This lets you know what needs to be covered, but you can always add extras in as you gauge the kids’ interest.
Ideas for Informal Assessment:
Observations
Class Discussions
Exit Tickets
Journal Entries
Games
Ideas for Formal Assessment:
Presentations
Quiz
Test
Projects: papers, pamphlets, website, etc.
This is just a beginning list so make it as personal as you need for your situation.
In the bridge building STEM challenge, I have suggested a competition that would encourage students to do their best and gives you ample opportunity for observation.
You could also add additional forms of assessment.
That gets you through the 5 steps of planning better science lessons.
1. Excite/Engage
2. Explore
3. Explain
4. Elaborate/Experiment/Expand
5. Evaluate
This is called the 5e model. This entire model of planning and teaching focuses on the student. You can do this with any curriculum or resource with some adaptation.
There are also great science resources that are designed with the 5e model in mind. My ebook, The Lab Bench, has 25 activities with background information, instructor and student pages, and 5e outlines for each activity. This resource can help jumpstart your lessons.
If you don’t want your kids complaining about science, change your approach and start using these 5 steps. I think both your kids might surprise you.
To help you adapt your own curriculum, grab this 5e lesson planning template. If you haven’t grabbed it, the bridge building challenge is a complete activity from The Lab Bench including a 5e lesson outline.
