Science Essentials Take Home Test

Science Take-Home Pretest

Science Essentials

This is a take home test for the middle school introductory unit for science. This test is designed to accomplish two goals. First, and most important, is the chance for you to monitor and evaluate the progress that you see in your student. Second is the opportunity to discover what your student is doing and learning at school. I will use your evaluation as part of the grade for this pre-test and greatly appreciate the time that you will be taking for this activity.

There are several questions that your student needs to answer. Students are allowed to use any notes that they have written. Typed material that was handed out in class may not be used. I do not expect you to know all of the answers – just listen and base your score on how well you feel that they knew the information. You only need to use your best judgement.

Grade each question and record the score to the left of the question. The score will be based on eight questions. Only two questions can be skipped. The scoring is as follows:

A Fully explains the answer with little need for notes, except for diagrams or samples.

B Can explain the answer but may have some points where notes have to be read before continuing the explanation.

C Can explain the answer but needs extensive use of notes. Some parts of the answer may not be clear, but, overall, the answer seems to make sense.

D Can explain only part of the answer with the use of notes.

Score Question

_____ 1. Describe the difference between scientific evidence and personal opinion.

_____ 2. State a Law of Nature and explain why it is considered a law.

_____ 3. Why is repetition necessary for an experimental procedure?

_____ 4. Define the four main measurements that can be done.

_____ 5. Given a fact that a marble has a mass of .15 of a gram and a volume of .015 mL, calculate it’s density.

_____ 6. Give reason as to why there can only be one variable in an experiment, while the rest of the experiment is considered constant.

_____ 7. List and describe step-by-step the “scientific procedure.”

_____ 8. List and define at least five different fields of science.

_____ 9. Explain the findings / conclusions of at least three historically famous scientists / contributors.

_____ 10. Explain which pairs of terms happen at the same temperature:

melting, freezing, vaporization, condensation

This test must be completed by OCTOBER 9. If you wish to have another adult or teacher administer the test, sign in the appropriate place below. In the event that this test is not returned by OCTOBER 9 , your student will receive a zero (0) on this assignment.

__________________ (student’s name) has completed this test with me.

__________________________________ Parent / Guardian

__________________________________ Other Adult (only if necessary)

__________________________________ Date