Examples of Science Companion Prime S Alignment to Sample CMAS Test Items
Science Companion Prime supports the Colorado Academic Standards Summative Assessment Framework in many ways. Prime provides a diverse option of learning modules that support the content and practices associated with the three strands of science; Prime assessment tools provide the same types of questions as those found in CMAS; and Prime’s digital format gives users the opportunity to practice online test taking skills that are similar to the state online model.
I. Content
Science Companion Prime aligns with the content found in the Framework. Prime consists of grade level modules that consist of several lesson clustersthat are designed to support student learning of the content and develop the scientific practices associated with each standard. Users may teach the entire module or select individual clusters facilitating easy customization of the curriculum.
II: Assessment
Science Companion Prime provides a variety of formative and summative assessment opportunities. Assessments include multiple choice, fill in the blank, matching, true/false, drawing, sequencing, short answer and compare and contrast. Performance Task assessments typically ask students to evaluate a particular scenario or set and then explain/describe their thinking using drawing and writing. The exposure to different types of assessments in Science Companion Prime helps prepare students for the various types of assessment items they may encounter in their state science assessments.
III. Digital Format
Prime’s online digital format provides students ample opportunities to practice any technical skills that they may use when taking any electronic state science assessments. Prime has students to selecting, clicking, find “hot spots” or specific areas in a coordinate plane, dragging and dropping. Students also use the keyboard to enter any characters they need to answer a question. They are also given simple tools to color text, edit content and draw.
Examples of Science Companion Prime’s Alignment to Sample CMAS Test Items
CMAS Sample Test Item
Science Companion Prime
Separating a Salt and Water Solution
Investigative Question:Where is the salt that was mixed in the water?
Materials:
- Solution of salt and water
- Teaspoon
- Tart pan
- Circle of black paper that fits bottom of tart pan
- Cup warmer
- Magnifying lens
Procedure:
- Turn on the cup warmer.
- Place the circle of black paper in the tart pan, and place the tart pan on the cup warmer.
- Measure about a teaspoon of solution. Drop it onto the black paper in the tart pan.
- Allow the water in the solution to evaporate until the black paper is completely dry.
Prediction:
What do you think will happen when you evaporate the water out of the solution? Why do you think so?
Observation:
Describe what happened when the water evaporated out of the solution.
Conclusion:
Can you answer the investigative question? Was your prediction correct? What did you learn?
CMAS Sample Test Item
Science Companion Prime
CMAS Sample Item
Science Companion Prime