Knowing Science Sample Assessment

Our sample demonstration assessment was prepared by selecting a few questions from two different Knowing Science Grade 5 assessments: Investigating Properties 1 and The Stars in the Sky 1. Check below for a description of each test.

Investigating Properties 1

In Investigating Properties 1 students make observations and take measurements to choose the best material for the cover of a homemade summer tent. The standard addressed is:

5-PS1-3	Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
	SEP: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations Make observations and measurements to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence for an explanation of a phenomenon.
	CCC: Scale, Proportion, and Quantity Standard units are used to measure and describe physical quantities such as weight, time, temperature, and volume.
	DCI: PS1.A Structure and Properties of Matter Measurements of a variety of properties can be used to identify materials. (Boundary: At this grade level, mass and weight are not distinguished, and no attempt is made to define the unseen particles or explain the atomic-scale mechanism of evaporation and condensation.)

The progression of questions guides the student in investigating the properties of different materials. This is the structure of the questions incorporated in the demonstration:

Question No.	3D Component	Alignment description
1, 2, 3	DCI	Students identify the property of a material relevant to the context discussed in the scenario.
4	SEP	Students identify how to measure or observe a specific property.
5	CCC	Students identify the appropriate unit to measure a property.
6	SEP	Students put together an experimental setup to investigate a property.

The Stars in the Sky 1

In The Stars in the Sky 1 students build a model to explain the difference in the apparent brightness of the Sun as compared to other stars. The standard addressed is:

5-ESS1-1	Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the Sun compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.
	SEP: Engaging in Argument from Evidence Support an argument with evidence, data, or a model.
	CCC: Scale, Proportion, and Quantity Natural objects exist from the very small to the immensely large.
	DCI: ESS1.A The Universe and its Stars The Sun is a star that appears larger and brighter than other stars because it is closer. Stars range greatly in their distance from Earth.

The progression of questions guides the student in building a model while testing the student’s knowledge about astronomical scales. This is the structure of the questions incorporated in the demonstration:

Question No.	3D Component	Alignment description
7, 8	DCI	Students show their understanding of the phenomenon by describing how stars appear during the day.
9, 10	CCC	Students compare different scales of distances.
11	SEP	Students work on creating a model supporting the argument described in the standard.