Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
12/2016
Taking the Struggle out of
Science and those Science
Short Answers
Tuesdays for Teachers
December 13, 2016
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Objectives
• Investigate importance of
students’ understanding of the
scientific method
• Investigate strategies students
can use to respond to science
short answer items
• Share resources and ideas
2
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Science is a way of
thinking much more than
it is a body of knowledge
— Carl Sagan
3
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
1
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
12/2016
Science Practices
4
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Science High Impact Indicators
SP.2.b: Identify and refine hypotheses for scientific
investigations.
SP.2.e: Identify and interpret independent and dependent
variables in scientific investigations.
SP.4.a: Evaluate whether a conclusion or theory is
supported or challenged by particular data or evidence.
SP.6.a: Express scientific information or findings visually.
SP.7: Apply formulas from scientific theories.
.
5
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Assessment Target—SP.2
Assessment
Target
SP.2
Investigation
Design
(Experimental
and
Observational)
Indicators
SP.2.b Identify and •
refine hypotheses
•
for scientific
investigations
SP.2.e Identify and
interpret
independent and
dependent
variables in
scientific
investigations.
•
•
•
•
•
•
6
What to look for in student work:
The student has . . .
identified a hypothesis for a given scientific
investigation.
differentiated between an appropriate
hypothesis and a poorly conceived
hypothesis.
used a hypothesis to support or challenge
a given conclusion.
identified a hypothesis for a given data set.
refined a hypothesis to more appropriately
suit a scientific experiment.
identified the independent variable in a
given investigation.
identified the dependent variable in a given
investigation.
fully explained the relationship between the
independent and dependent variables in a
given experiment.
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
2
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
12/2016
Science Sample Question
7
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Build Student’s Scientific
Reasoning Skills
One Experiment at a Time
8
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Can your students . . .
Determine a method for
collecting data?
9
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
3
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
12/2016
The Scientific Method
Teach
experimental
design through
real-world
application and
reporting.
10
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Scientific Method in Action
Hypothesis
There is something wrong with the car
Predictions
battery dead, ignition problem, out of gas
Test
Predictions
drive
herespark
andplug
turned
turn on headlights,
check
wires,
dip stick in gas the
tankkey but the car
Analyze
Results
headlights work, strong ignition spark, no
(observation)
gas on dip stick-gas
gauge reads half full
Draw
Conclusion
gauge inaccurate, out of gas
Real-World Example:
11
You got into your car to
wouldn’t start
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Observation/Define the Problem
Does exercise
make your heart
beat faster?
Why is the health
of the desert
biome
deteriorating?
All investigations start
with a question.
12
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
4
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
12/2016
Start with Real-World Scenarios
Observation
John noticed that bread stored
in an area that was dry did not
mold as quickly as in an area
that had more moisture.
Why? Maybe . . .
Does bread mold more quickly
under different storage
conditions?
13
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Formulate a Hypothesis
• Educated guess about how
things work
• Prediction
• Use If, then statements
– If ____ [I do this], then _____ [this
will happen]
• Focus on one variable only
14
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Our Hypothesis
– If bread is stored in a more
humid area, then it will
mold more quickly.
15
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
5
12/2016
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
Formulate a Hypothesis
.
Sentence Frame
Example
If________________
If dry bread and moist bread
(manipulated/independent
are left in bags for two
variable) then
weeks, then the moist
_____________
bread will grow mold more
(responding/dependent
variable),
because__________.
16
quickly than the dry bread,
because mold is a living
organism, and organisms
need water to survive.
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Gather Evidence and Experiment
• Develop and follow a procedure.
• Include a detailed materials list.
• Make sure the outcome is
measurable.
• Develop a procedure, list the
needed materials and then,
determine the control group.
17
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Gather Evidence and Experiment
• Set up the experiment
• Include a detailed materials list.
– Slices of bread
– Method of storage
– Location of storage
• Determine how to measure time to
mold
– Check bread each day
– Examine for mold
18
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
6
12/2016
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
Gather Evidence and Experiment
Record data in a data table.
– Numerical (quantitative) data organized
in rows and columns
– Qualitative observations that show changes
– The specific independent variables are listed
– The number of trials are listed
– Blanks are left for data
(dependent variable) to be
filled in
Trial
Variable
1
Variable
2
Variable
3
1
2
3
19
AVERAGE
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Collect and Analyze Results
Bread in
Dry Area
• Check bread
daily
Bread in Humid
Area
Day 1
No mold
No mold
Day 2
No mold
No mold
Day 3
No mold
Small spot of mold
on corner (< ¼ of
inch)
• Record data in a
table
• Analyze results
of the
experiment
20
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Day 4
Small spot of Mold spreading from
corner
mold on
(1 inch of mold
corner (< ¼
present)
of inch)
Day 5
Minimal
growth (< ½
inch)
Mold covering ¼ of
slice of bread
Conclusion
• Look back at the hypothesis.
• Analyze the data to see if the
hypothesis was accepted or
rejected.
• If hypothesis is rejected, give
possible reasons for the difference
between the hypothesis and the
experimental results.
21
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
7
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
12/2016
Conclusion
• Based on the data collected after
five days, the experiment clearly
demonstrated that bread stored in a
humid area molded more quickly
than that stored in a dry area.
22
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Short Answers
Helping Students Prepare for Science Constructed Responses
23
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Types of Short Answers
• Narrative-based
– Examine the relationships in the text
– Provide an explanation
– Cite evidence from the text
• Experimental design
– Describe an experiment to test a specific hypothesis
– Include method for collecting data
– Justify a line of reasoning
24
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
8
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
12/2016
Narrative Based
25
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Analyze the Prompt
Deforestation, or clearing away trees, is occurring in tropical rain forests.
Explain how deforestation could disrupt the life cycle of Ophiocordyceps
unilateralis in tropical rain forest. Include multiple pieces of evidence from
the text to support your response.
Type your response in the box. This task may require approximately 10
minutes to complete.
Underline the verb. Determine action to be done. Complete the chart.
Do
What
Explain
How deforestation could disrupt the life cycle
Include
Include multiple pieces of evidence from the text
Type
Response
Take
10 minutes
26
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Analyze the Source Text
Remember key words from prompt:
• Deforestation
• Ophiocordyceps unilateralis
• Closely read the text
• Highlight key words from the prompt
• Identify relationships within the text between
• Ohpiocordyceps unilateralist and other organisms
• Deforestation and Ophiocordyceps unilateralis
• Other organisms and deforestation
27
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
9
12/2016
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
Relationships
Ants
nest provide
place for spores
to grow
Ants make
nests in trees.
28
Spores can’t
grow on ground
– have to have
trees
O.
unilateralis
Carpenter
Ants
Fungus keeps
insect
population
under control
and prevents
loss of trees
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Relationships
O.
unilateralis
Carpenter
Ants
Spores can’t grow on
ground – have to have
trees
Ants make
nests in trees.
29
Trees
Trees
Fungus keeps
insect
population
under control
and prevents
loss of trees
O unilateralis is a parasitic fungus that
feeds on carpenter ants. Carpenter
ants make their nests in tall trees in the
tropical rain forest. O unilateralis
require the right light and humidity to
produce spores. Located high in the
trees, the ants provide the right
environment for the fungus.
Deforestation would rob the fungus of
its food and environment, thus
endangering the fungus. Without O
unilateralis carpenter ant populations
would go unchecked creating further
problems for the ecosystem.
Ants
nest provide
place for spores
to grow
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Earning Points
3-Point
• Clear, well-developed explanation
• Complete support from the passage
2-Point
• Adequate or partial explanation
• Partial support from the passage
1-Point
• Minimal or implied explanation
• Minimal or implied support
0-Point
• No explanation
• No support from the passage
30
Deforestation would rob the
O.unilateralis fungus of both its food
and environment, thus endangering
the fungus. O unilateralis is a
parasitic fungus that feeds on
carpenter ants and needs trees in
order to produce spores which
enable it to reproduce and remain at
appropriate levels. Carpenter ants
make their nests in tall trees in the
tropical rain forest. O unilateralis
requires the right environment in
which to produce spores. Without O
unilateralis carpenter ant populations
would go unchecked creating further
problems for the ecosystem.
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
10
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
12/2016
Types of Short Answers
• Narrative-based
– Examine the relationships in the text
– Provide an explanation
– Cite evidence from the text
• Experimental design
– Describe an experiment to test a specific hypothesis
– Include method for collecting data
– Justify a line of reasoning
31
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
The Scientific Method and
Experimental Design
Teach
experimental
design through
real-world
application and
reporting.
32
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Analyze the Prompt
The farmer hypothesizes that using either method will reduce erosion
compared to using traditional farming methods (plowing and no cover
crop).
Design a controlled experiment that the farmer can use to test this
hypothesis. Include description of data collection and how the farmer will
determine whether his hypothesis is correct.
Type your response in the box. This task may require approximately 10
minutes to complete.
Underline the verb. Determine action to be done.
33
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
11
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
12/2016
Analyze the Source Text
Remember key words from prompt:
• Design an experiment based on hypothesis
• Include how to collect data
• Determine how to evaluate findings
• Closely read the text
• Identify the hypothesis
• Remember steps in scientific method
• Observe
• Hypothesize
• Design experiment
• Collect and analyze data
• Write conclusion (evaluation)
34
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Analyze the Source Text
Steps in
Scientific
Method
What text tells you
Observe
Field includes 30 acreas
Topsoil is about 20 centimeters in thickness.
Farmer knows two method to reduce soil erosion
1) No till
2) Winter cover crop
Hypothesis
Believes either method 1 or 2 will be better than
traditional method (plowing and no cover)
Experiment
Collect Data
Evaluate Results
35
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Set up the Experiment
Steps in
Scientific
Method
What text tells you
Observe
Field includes 30 acres
Topsoil is about 20 centimeters in thickness.
Farmer knows two method to reduce soil erosion
1) Not till
2) Winter cover crop
Hypothesis
Believes either method 1 or 2 will be better than
traditional method (plowing and no cover)
Experiment
Has 30 acres of farmland so could use all 3 methods
(10 acres per method). Use traditional method as
control group. Conduct experiment for 1 year
Collect Data
Measure topsoil in each group monthly and record data
in a log to show comparison
Evaluate Results
Analyze data to see how the 2 variable methods
compared to the control group
36
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
12
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
Earning Points
3-Point
•
•
•
Well-formulated, complete controlled experiment
Well-formulated data collection method
Well-formulated explanation of evaluation criteria
2-Point
• Logical controlled experiment
• Logical data collection method
• Logical evaluation criteria
1-Point
• Minimal controlled experiment
• Minimal data collection method
• Minimal explanation of evaluation criteria
0-Point
• Illogical or no controlled experiment
• Illogical or no data collection method
• Illogical or no d explanation of evaluation criteria
37
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
12/2016
The farmer could set up the
experiment to last one year and
include all three methods. 10 acres
would be set aside for each of the
three methods.
• Control group – traditional methods
(plow and no cover)
• No till
• Cover crop
The farmer would identify three areas
within each group where he would
measure the topsoil on a monthly
basis for the entire year. This way he
could get an average for each group
each month. He would record the data
in a log to review at the end of the
year.
Based on the data collected, the
farmer would be able to determine
which of the three groups saw the
least erosion and determine if his
hypothesis was correct.
Experimental Design Graphic Organizer
Developed by S.J. Schmidt.
Appalachian State University.
http://abspd.appstate.edu/teachingresources
38
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Remember!
“Because each item will have its own rules for
scoring, scoring guides will be developed
alongside the item itself.”
GEDTS® Assessment Guide for Educators 3.3.
39
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
13
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
12/2016
Resources
Getting Started
40
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Summing It Up – Tips for
Incorporating Scientific Inquiry
• Use real-life situations to help students understand
scientific inquiry
• Have students construct experiments based on given
scenarios
• Work with key vocabulary – control group, independent
and dependent variables
• Practice writing to both types of science short answers
41
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
www.GEDtestingservice.com
42
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
14
Taking the Struggle out of Science and
those Science Short Answers
12/2016
Looking for More Ideas?
43
43
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
44
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
Thank you for joining us today!
Have Questions or Concerns
[email protected]
45
GEDtestingservice.com • GED.com
© Copyright 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved.
15