We are so excited to announce the release of our new Data-Driven Test Prep question sets.
Why were these so Important to Create?
State tests are changing by including more performance tasks and complex multi-step questions. Students are tested on investigating, sensemaking, and critiquing skills. To answer these questions, students are asked to:
Articulate knowledge of relevant scientific principles
Apply that knowledge to understand real-world problems
Engineer and evaluate possible solutions
Analyze raw data
Read tables and graphs
Graph and present data
You shared that you are on the hunt for more data-driven practice sets to help you prepare your studentsSo we’re here to help.
Our newly developed Data-Driven Test Prep question sets are designed to provide students with practice for these question types.
What You Can Expect
Our Data Driven Test Preps are authentic practice assessments specifically designed for students in 4th-8th grade. They focus on the key skills needed to succeed on state assessments, including:
interpreting data
understanding real-world scientific scenarios
applying critical thinking to solve multi-part questions
Each prep aligns with NGSS standards, ensuring that students practice skills that directly support classroom learning and testing goals.
Key Features of Our Question Sets
Real-World Scenarios: Every assessment begins with a phenomenon-based scenario that grounds scientific concepts in authentic contexts. These scenarios help students visualize and understand the science behind everyday phenomena, from ecosystems and energy flow to chemical reactions and cells.
Aligned with NGSS Standards: Each test prep aligns with specific NGSS standards, ensuring that the questions reflect the knowledge and skills required for state tests. This alignment provides a consistent framework for teachers to integrate these assessments into their existing curriculum.
Data-Driven: The question sets require students to analyze diagrams, graphs, and tables to make informed answers. This data-driven approach mirrors state testing requirements, helping students develop essential skills in data analysis and scientific reasoning.
Mixed-Format: Each prep includes multiple-choice questions for quick assessment and open-ended questions that encourage deeper thinking and concept application. These formats provide a well-rounded preparation experience for a variety of test question types.
Focus on Critical Thinking and Application: Beyond content knowledge, these test preps emphasize the application of scientific principles. Questions often ask students to analyze trends, make predictions, and reason through scenarios, helping to prepare them for the problem-solving nature of state exams.
How to Use Data-Driven Test Preps in the Classroom
Integrate with Existing Units: Use the test preps alongside your science units to reinforce concepts and provide additional practice. Conclude each unit with a full practice set.
One Question Per Week: Either as a homework assignment or ‘do now,’ allow students to complete one question per day to allow them to become comfortable with these types of questions.
Encourage Group Discussions: Set aside time during class to allow students to work in groups to complete them. If you do station work, dedicate one station to the question sets.
Let me get my hands on them!
Data-Driven Test Preps are available in the Additional Resources for each unit. You can explore samples in the following units:
b. Biodiversity
f. Water Cycle
h. Cells
We'd love to hear whether you find these helpful!
Read more about the state tests here