TEACHER GUIDE LOUISIANA 6 Science Louisiana Practice and Mastery
Contents For the Teacher.................................................................................... 2 Correlation to the Louisiana Science Grade-Level Expectations, Grade 6................... 4 Scope and Sequence, Grade 6...................................................................12 Answer Key for the Multiple-Choice Questions...............................................18
For the Teacher Louisiana Science: Practice and Mastery (grade 6) focuses on the Louisiana science grade-level expectations that may be assessed on the integrated Louisiana Educational Assessment Program () Science test. By completing this book, students develop mastery of the grade-level expectations of the Louisiana science content standards. To develop this mastery, students answer a variety of questions whose content aligns with the grade-level expectations. The grade-6 student book has three practices, each with 48 multiple-choice questions that address the grade-level expectations assessed in grade 6. Each multiple-choice question correlates directly to a grade-level expectation from one of the following three science strands: Science as Inquiry Life Science Science and the Environment For specific information about each question, refer to the Correlation to the Louisiana Science Grade-Level Expectations, Grade 6, on pages 4 11 of this teacher guide. Contents of the Student Book The grade-6 student book comprises a To the Student introduction, Practice 1, Practice 2, Practice 3, and the Answer Document. Each practice has a total of 48 multiple-choice questions (Numbers 1 48). Each practice includes questions based on three science strands, in random order. Students answer questions based on the following stimulus material: Data tables and graphs Charts and illustrations Science investigations Maps For details about the questions in each practice, see the Scope and Sequence, Grade 6, on pages 12 17 of this teacher guide. Use of Louisiana Science: Practice and Mastery Use this book to provide students with targeted practice of the grade-level expectations prior to administration of the integrated Louisiana Educational Assessment Program () Science test. With three practices of 48 multiple-choice questions, students will have 144 opportunities to answer questions that address the grade-level expectations eligible for assessment by the grade-6. You may choose to use Practice 1 as a pretest, to identify students weaknesses and strengths, and then provide focused instruction before students complete Practice 2. Use Practice 3 as a post test, from which you may evaluate students progress and identify areas that need further study. Implementation of Louisiana Science: Practice and Mastery Provide each student with a student book and two sharpened No. 2 pencils with good erasers. Have each student remove the Answer Document from the back of the student book, staple the pages together, and fill in the personal information section. Next, have students read the introduction on the inside front cover of the student book. Tell students to pay particular attention to the tips for answering multiple-choice questions. 2
Before students begin working, inform them of the time they will have to complete each practice or part of a practice. The Science test is untimed; however, one hour is the suggested time allowance for students to complete the 48 items. If you wish to simulate testing conditions, provide one hour for completion of each practice, but allow students additional time if necessary. If you do not wish to simulate testing conditions, adapt the time to your schedule. For example, you may wish to have students complete parts of practices at different sittings. In any case, schedule additional time for correction and review, approximately 60 minutes for each practice. Recording of Answers Students record all of their answers on the Answer Document. For each multiple-choice question, students fill in an answer circle on the bubble sheet. Ensure that students know how to fill in the answer circles. Remind students that if they change an answer, they should fully erase their first answer. A completed bubble sheet for each practice is on pages 18 20 of this teacher guide. The Correction Procedure Correct and review the answers to the questions as soon as possible after students have completed a practice or part of a practice. If students complete a practice in one sitting, schedule a follow-up session of approximately 60 minutes, preferably the next day. If students complete part of a practice in one sitting, conduct a shorter follow-up session on the same day. Use the Answer Key for the Multiple-Choice Questions, on pages 18 20 of this teacher guide, to correct Numbers 1 48 of each practice orally with the class. Discuss the answers with students. As you review the answers, explain concepts that students may not fully understand. Encourage students to discuss the thought process that they used to answer the question. When answers are incorrect, help students understand why their reasoning was faulty. Students sometimes answer incorrectly because of a range of misconceptions about the strategy or skill required. Discussing why choices are incorrect will help students understand the correct answer. Use of the Results of Louisiana Science: Practice and Mastery This book can be a useful diagnostic tool for identifying grade-level expectations that need further study and reinforcement for students to obtain proficiency. For students who answer a question incorrectly, provide additional instruction and practice. Use the Scope and Sequence, Grade 6, on pages 12 17 of this teacher guide, to identify the grade-level expectation that each question practices and evaluates. 3
Correlation to the Louisiana Science Grade-Level Expectations, Grade 6 Louisiana Science: Practice and Mastery, Grade 6 is based on the grade-level expectations, as set forth in the Louisiana Science Content Standards. This chart correlates each question to a grade-level expectation eligible for assessment on the grade-6 integrated Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (). Science as Inquiry The students will do science by engaging in partial and full inquiries that are within their developmental capabilities. A. The Abilities Necessary to Do Scientific Inquiry Benchmarks Grade-Level Expectations Practice 1 Practice 2 Practice 3 SI-M-A1: identifying questions that can be used to design a scientific investigation SI-M-A2: designing and conducting a scientific investigation SI-M-A3: using mathematics and appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data SI-M-A4: developing descriptions, explanations, and graphs using data 1. Generate testable questions about objects, organisms, and events that can be answered through scientific investigation (SI-M-A1) 2. Identify problems, factors, and questions that must be considered in a scientific investigation (SI-M-A1) 3. Use a variety of sources to answer questions (SI-M-A1) 4. Design, predict outcomes, and conduct experiments to answer guiding questions (SI-M-A2) 5. Identify independent variables, dependent variables, and variables that should be controlled in designing an experiment (SI-M-A2) 6. Select and use appropriate equipment, technology, tools, and metric system units of measurement to make observations (SI-M-A3) 7. Record observations using methods that complement investigations (e.g., journals, tables, charts) (SI-M-A3) 8. Use consistency and precision in data collection, analysis, and reporting (SI-M-A3) 9. Use computers and/or calculators to analyze and interpret quantitative data (SI-M-A3) 10. Identify the difference between description and explanation (SI-M-A4) 11. Construct, use, and interpret appropriate graphical representations to collect, record, and report data (e.g., tables, charts, circle graphs, bar and line graphs, diagrams, scatter plots, symbols) (SI-M-A4) 12. Use data and information gathered to develop an explanation of experimental results (SI-M-A4) 13. Identify patterns in data to explain natural events (SI-M-A4) 17 14 28 33 41 34 32 21 43 28 22 42 23 19 10 2 38 19 9 3 4
A. The Abilities Necessary to Do Scientific Inquiry (continued) Benchmarks Grade-Level Expectations Practice 1 Practice 2 Practice 3 SI-M-A5: developing models and predictions using the relationships between data and explanations SI-M-A6: comparing alternative explanations and predictions SI-M-A7: communicating scientific procedures, information, and explanations SI-M-A8: utilizing safety procedures during scientific investigations 14. Develop models to illustrate or explain conclusions reached through investigation (SI-M-A5) 15. Identify and explain the limitations of models used to represent the natural world (SI-M-A5) 16. Use evidence to make inferences and predict trends (SI-M-A5) 17. Recognize that there may be more than one way to interpret a given set of data, which can result in alternative scientific explanations and predictions (SI-M-A6) 18. Identify faulty reasoning and statements that misinterpret or are not supported by the evidence (SI-M-A6) 19. Communicate ideas in a variety of ways (e.g., symbols, illustrations, graphs, charts, spreadsheets, concept maps, oral and written reports, equations) (SI-M-A7) 20. Write clear step-by-step instructions that others can follow to carry out procedures or conduct investigations (SI-M-A7) 21. Distinguish between observations and inferences (SI-M-A7) 22. Use evidence and observations to explain and communicate the results of investigations (SI-M-A7) 23. Use relevant safety procedures and equipment to conduct scientific investigations (SI-M-A8) 24. Provide appropriate care and utilize safe practices and ethical treatment when animals are involved in scientific field and laboratory research (SI-M-A8) 7 36 45 30 1 12 46 13 30 27 29 24 5
Scope and Sequence, Grade 6 This chart shows the scope and sequence of items presented in Louisiana Science: Practice and Mastery, Grade 6. For each question in a practice, the science strand, benchmark, and grade-level expectation are identified. Practice 1 Number Science Strand Benchmark Grade-Level Expectation 1 Science as Inquiry SI-M-A6 18 2 Physical Science PS-M-A6 9 3 Physical Science PS-M-C7 40 4 Science and the Environment SE-M-A8 47 5 Physical Science PS-M-B1 14 6 Science as Inquiry SI-M-B5 36 7 Science as Inquiry SI-M-A5 16 8 Science and the Environment SE-M-A6 44 9 Physical Science PS-M-C4 36 10 Science as Inquiry SI-M-A4 11 11 Physical Science PS-M-A3 4 12 Science as Inquiry SI-M-B4 33 13 Physical Science PS-M-B5 22 14 Science and the Environment SE-M-A6 46 15 Science as Inquiry SI-M-B3 31 16 Physical Science PS-M-C2 30 17 Science as Inquiry SI-M-A1 1 18 Science as Inquiry SI-M-B3 32 19 Science as Inquiry SI-M-B2 28 20 Science as Inquiry SI-M-B3 29 21 Physical Science PS-M-A1 2 22 Science as Inquiry SI-M-A3 6 23 Science as Inquiry SI-M-A4 10 24 Physical Science PS-M-A8 12 25 Science as Inquiry SI-M-B1 27 26 Physical Science PS-M-C1 25 27 Science as Inquiry SI-M-B1 25 28 Science as Inquiry SI-M-A1 2 29 Science as Inquiry SI-M-A8 23 30 Science as Inquiry SI-M-A7 22 12
Practice 1 (continued) Number Science Strand Benchmark Grade-Level Expectation 31 Science and the Environment SE-M-A6 45 32 Science as Inquiry SI-M-A2 4 33 Science and the Environment SE-M-A8 47 34 Physical Science PS-M-C4 34 35 Physical Science PS-M-B3 19 36 Physical Science PS-M-B1 15 37 Physical Science PS-M-C6 39 38 Physical Science PS-M-B2 17 39 Science and the Environment SE-M-A6 42 40 Physical Science PS-M-C1 24 41 Science and the Environment SE-M-A6 43 42 Physical Science PS-M-A7 11 43 Physical Science PS-M-C2 27 44 Science as Inquiry SI-M-B5 34 45 Physical Science PS-M-A5 8 46 Science as Inquiry SI-M-B6 38 47 Physical Science PS-M-C4 32 48 Science and the Environment SE-M-A6 43 13