(Student name) scored at the Advanced level in Science. Students scoring at this level generally exhibit the ability to

• use abstract concepts/theories to explain everyday situations;

• describe many elements of a system and explain the limits of a particular example;

• design complex models; and

• demonstrate an understanding of the nature and limits of science and that science is subject to change.

• asking appropriate questions and identifying those questions that are testable and not testable;

• manipulating variables;

• using mathematics and appropriate tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data;

• relating several variables to explain phenomena; and

• developing descriptions, explanations, and appropriate displays to communicate and defend data.

(Student name) scored at the Mastery level in Science. Students scoring at this level generally exhibit the ability to

• understand complex concepts/theories and communicate them;

• demonstrate an understanding of elements of a system;

• demonstrate understanding of models and diagrams; and

• recognize various limits of science and its changes.

• use a simple investigation, design an experiment, and link ideas while collecting data;

• use mathematics and appropriate tools to design methods of display for data; and

• draw conclusions from data.

(Student name) scored at the Basic level in Science. Students scoring at this level generally exhibit the ability to

• possess a fundamental knowledge of some theories and concepts;

• identify elements of a system and state one limiting factor when given a particular example;

• identify a simple model;

• begin to understand the nature of science; and

• show an awareness that science is subject to change.

• design a simple investigation by asking appropriate questions;

• identify the important variables and select appropriate tools to gather data; and

• interpret basic data and communicate a conclusion.

(Student name) scored at the Approaching Basic level in Science. Students scoring at this level generally exhibit the ability to

• identify related elements of a system;

• identify elements of a simple model; and

• show some awareness that science is developing and changing.

• answer specific scientific questions;

• identify at least one variable in an experiment; and

• seek and identify basic scientific data and communicate it.

(Student name) scored at the Unsatisfactory level in Science. Students scoring at this level have not demonstrated the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for the next level of schooling. Students scoring at this level generally have not exhibited the ability to

• identify related elements of a system;

• identify elements of a simple model; and

• show some awareness that science is developing and changing.

• answer specific scientific questions;

• identify at least one variable in an experiment; and

• seek and identify basic scientific data and communicate it.