Process Skill  and Definition

Not Proficient

Proficient

Advanced

Observing and Questioning

Adding to the knowledge base by creating meaning from experience.

Restates the prompt or problem.

OR

Writes question that is not testable.

Writes questions that are testable and based on observations and prior knowledge.

Writes questions that are testable and based on observations and prior knowledge.

·         Observations and questions are detailed, relevant, and concise.

Predicting  and Using Variables

Uses evidence and controls variables in order to verify or refute ideas.

Hypothesis is not written in the “if...then…because” format

When prompted, generates a testable hypothesis (if…then… because format) that uses dependent, independent, and controlled variables to gather evidence of support or nonsupport.

Hypothesis is detailed, relevant, and logical.

Communicating Information

Oral, written or mathematical process of describing an event, action or object to and/or with others.

Not detailed enough to be replicated.

Nonsequential

Data table(s), graph(s) and/or diagram(s) are not labeled or labeled incorrectly.

·         Describe how to conduct an experiment that can be replicated

·         Information is presented in a logical and sequential manner in such a way that the reader should need no assistance with its interpretation.

Information is effectively communicated by being:

·         Detailed

·         Relevant

·         Accurate & precise

·         Supported by evidence

Organizing

Organizes ideas using text, graphs, and or other visual and mathematical representations.

Measuring

Determining qualitative and quantitative properties of objects and changes during events.

·         When prompted, selects appropriate instruments for measuring properties of an object.

·         Independently selects the most appropriate instruments for measuring properties of an object

·         Reports measurements with appropriate numbers of significant digits.

Data Analysis (Making Sense of Data)

Making objective statements that reflect information and/or data.

Makes no inferences in the analysis.

·         Correctly construct and label tables, graphs and diagrams

·         When appropriate apply mathematical strategies to the data

·         Identify trends and patterns in data

Identify mathematical relationships between variables.

Inferring

Creating explanations based upon previous experiences and observations.

Conclusions are not supported by data.

Errors are not identified.

·         Conclusions are based on a careful analysis of data

·         Identify errors and limitations and their effects on results.

·         Suggests improvements in experimental design

AND/OR

·         Explain conceptual and physical models

(Relates results of investigations to real-world experiences  further investigation.)