Points out the pedagogical testing value of the game show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire". Explains which game show components are applicable to classroom settings and examines some show strategies. (YDS)

Introduces an activity on the changes of matter. Uses different colors to represent the phases of water in different temperature ranges and discusses the phase changes of other chemicals. Includes an activity sheet. (YDS)

Survivor Science is a week-long activity that grabs the attention of even the most learning-resistant middle level student. Originally planned as an authentic assessment tool, it could also be used to introduce a multitude of units and is easily adapted to any scientific discipline taught. Sample challenges are desribed in this article.

Describes Advanced Science for Kids (ASK), a multicultural approach to assessment and programming for a middle school advanced science program. ASK is designed to provide alternative approaches to identification and assessment, facilitate authentic instruction and assessment, and provide minority students with academic and social support as they…

Describes the Geographic Information System (GIS) which is capable of storing, manipulating, and displaying data allowing students to explore complex relationships through scientific inquiry. Explains applications of GIS in middle school classrooms and includes assessment strategies. (YDS)

Describes teacher activities for a unit on birds and the stations for performance-based assessment of student learning. Activities include predicting a birds habitat based on the foot shape, predicting the food of a bird based on its beak, identifying a bird by its song, and identifying bird skins using a field guide. (PR)

Survivor Science is a week-long activity that grabs the attention of even the most learning resistant middle level student. Originally planned as an authentic assessment tool, it could also be used to introduce a multitude of units and is easily adapted to any scientific discipline that is taught.

Presents authentic assessment laboratory activities in which students measure the amount of sugar in bubble gum and test the lasting power of soap bubbles. Includes scoring rubrics. (MKR)

Explains why performance tasks should be used for assessment in hands-on science programs. Lists guidelines to help teachers construct valid tasks for student or program evaluation. Illustrates the guidelines by discussing a chromatography task from the Second International Science Study test. (PR)

Points out the difficulties of student assessment based on classroom participation and recommends a rubric. (YDS)

Describes a seventh-grade science process skills test entitled, "In Hot Water." Students respond in writing to a hypothetical problem and then are provided with a model response. Students apply this model response in their performance of subsequent skills. The assessment can be used for individual or group work. (PR)

Indicates the lack of professional development of preservice teachers on student evaluation. Discusses some assessment strategies and performance assessment. (YDS)

Describes the use of the observational checklist as an alternative assessment method. Suggests scoring rubrics should be developed to allow students and teachers to understand what standards are expected. Example scoring rubrics for drawing conclusions, creating motion, and group/cooperation skills are presented. (PR)

Describes a performance-based assessment approach utilizing science activities and questions to assess different levels of thinking. Objectives, materials, and procedures are provided for the assessment of student skills in classification, observation and inference, interpretation, and analysis. (PR)

Presents 10 guidelines for developing performance-based assessment items. Presents a sample activity developed from the guidelines. The activity tests students ability to observe, classify, and infer, using red and blue litmus paper, a pH-range finder, vinegar, ammonia, an unknown solution, distilled water, and paper towels. (PR)