Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (grades 6-8)

 Learning Outcomes: Science

    CONCEPTS OF SCIENCE:

Outcome: Students will demonstrate their acquisition and integration of major concepts and unifying themes from life, physical, and Earth/space sciences

Life Science: Humans have a major impact on the living and the non-living environment.

Earth Science: Earth is changed over time by different natural and human forces. Changes in Earth’s physical environment over time have influenced changes in life forms.

    NATURE AND SCIENCE:

Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to interpret and explain information generated by their exploration of science phenomena.

Demonstrate that predictions are based in data. Describe advantages and limitations of a physical model.

    HABITATS OF THE MIND:

Outcome: Students will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science.

Demonstrate a willingness to ask questions in order to clarify understanding. Design a scientifically valid experiment to address a questions or a problem. Analyze scientific findings or claims evaluating the adequacy of the supporting evidence.

    ATTITUDES:

Outcome: Students will demonstrate positive attitudes toward science and its relevance to the individual.

Acknowledge that everyone can understand and do science. Be enthusiastic in using science to explore and understand the world Show interest in science outside the classroom Believe that science is useful in understanding the world.

    PROCESS OF SCIENCE:

Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to employ the language, instruments, methods, and materials of science for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and communicating information.

Use developmentally appropriate instruments and materials to demonstrate controlling variables. Use developmentally appropriate instruments to develop conducting the experiment. Use developmentally appropriate materials and instruments to demonstrate using statistical methods to analyze and display data. Use developmentally appropriate instruments and materials to demonstrate drawing valid conclusions. Use developmentally appropriate materials and instruments to demonstrate communicating experimental procedures and findings orally and in writing.

    APPLICATIONS OF SCIENCE:

Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to apply science in solving problems and making personal decisions about issues affecting the individual, society, and the environment.

Employ knowledge of science and available technology to solve a practical problem, devise a plan ro solve the problem, and describe to others how scientific information was used in the solution.