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Grade 5 and Grade 8 NYSSLS Science Tests 2024

3/4/2024

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Forty-five educators attended the most recent informational session about the new NYS grade 5 and grade 8 science assessments. For those that were unable to attend, this article will serve as a summary of that day.

What will be on the test?
The Grade 5 test will include all science standards from the 3-5 grade band and the Grade 8 test will include all science standards from the 6-8 grade band. According to the Science Test Guidance document released by the state, each domain of science (Life, Physical, Earth & Space, and Engineering) will be represented on the test proportionally to its appearance in the standards. These two documents (ELS and ILS) can help to see the breakdown of what Science Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and which science domains will be emphasized most on the respective exams. Test questions will be written at a level 2, 3, and 4 from the Performance Level Descriptions (PLDs).

​How can we prepare our students?
Many teachers are looking for a vocabulary list, a set of practice questions, or a list of “what our kids need to know”, however the new science standards (NYSSLS) do not operate as a factual list of what students need to know, rather how they figure things out.
​
Teachers should be using the Science Practices and Crosscutting Concepts (two of the three dimensions) regularly in class to have students figure out the “facts” of science. If explicit teaching of these two dimensions has not been happening up to this point, NOW IS THE TIME TO START. If nothing else, teachers should be using the Science Practices and Crosscutting Concepts language as they engage in science content leading up to the exam.
Science Practices (SEPs)
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)
  • Asking Questions (and DefiningProblems)
  • Developing and Using Models
  • Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
  • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • Constructing Explanations (and Designing Solutions)
  • Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
  • Engaging in Argument from Evidence
  • Patterns
  • Cause and Effect
  • Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
  • Systems and System Models
  • Energy and Matter
  • Structure and Function
  • Stability and Change
  • Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
  • Patterns
  • Cause and Effect
  • Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
  • Systems and System Models
  • Energy and Matter
  • Structure and Function
  • Stability and Change
There is not a review book that can be purchased with practice questions. The state has released 4 clusters of questions that strongly resemble the way questions will look on the actual exam. Teachers can have students access these questions and work through them on the site – probably the best method to practice CBT skills as well. Teachers may also print these out, or they can be found in Castle Learning. Other ways to practice questions directly related to NYSSLS is using Inner Orbit, an online assessment-building platform accessible to all students and teachers at the 5th and 8th grade levels.

I have also gone through the NYS Science Learning Standards with a comb (not necessarily fine-toothed) to create vocabulary lists at each grade band level. I have created this more as a vertical alignment tool than a test-prep tool. I would strongly encourage teachers to start with the SEP and CCC vocabulary before worrying as much about the DCI (Disciplinary Core Idea) vocabulary.

Other preparation resources:
  • Grade 5 Science Review - Student Packet
  • Grade 5 Science Review - Teacher Guide
  • Grade 5 Science Review – related Gifs and images
  • Mini Lessons for explicitly teaching SEPs and CCCs
  • Performance Level Descriptions (PLDs) - Elementary
  • Performance Level Descriptions (PLDs) - Intermediate

How do the NYS Science Investigations tie into the exam?
The NYS Science Investigations that were released in October 2022 are to be used as performance activities at the end of the unit of study related to the tasks. These should be run as any science activity is run with all students in the classroom – including scaffolding for a variety of needs and appropriate modifications for students with IEPs. Every student should have exposure to all four of these Investigations prior to taking the Grade 5 or Grade 8 NYS Science Assessment. It is in the student’s best interest that they are proficient at these activities, however it is not required. Approximately 15% of the test will be indirectly related to the Investigations. The questions will NOT directly ask about the Investigations, but rather will be within the realm of the content in the Investigations, as well as the skills that are practiced by the students.

By:  Kelli Grabowski, CA BOCES Learning Resources
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Why Science?

11/18/2013

 
Science surrounds us. Children interact with their environment, asking questions and seeking answers.  It is a way of knowing and thinking about the world in which we live and it is the skill at heart of Science instruction.

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Connection Inspection - Salamanca City Schools

11/18/2013

 
Fifth grade students from Salamanca learn that all life is connected to the Great Earth Cycles of water, air and soil.  The cycles are powered by the energy from the sun.  In order to demonstrate their knowledge they become an animal or plant and use colored rope to show their connections to each cycle especially through the food chain. 

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Out of the World Learning Experience - Olean City Schools

11/18/2013

 
When students in the fifth grade classes of Mrs. Laura Hamed, Mrs. Tammy Martin, and Ms. Cari Matejka at Olean Intermediate Middle School began their study of the solar system, little did they know what an out of this world experience it would be.  The unit actually began much earlier in the year with an in-depth study of Earth.  By learning many of the concepts associated with Earth, students were then ready to begin their six week study of the solar system with foundational knowledge they could tap into, compare, and apply to their new learning.  
Picture

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Hands-On Science: Teaching the Next Generation

11/18/2013

 
With the release of the final version of the Next Generation Science Standards back in April 2013, it is now time for New York State to decide whether or not to adopt NGSS.  There are various things to consider when comparing the current New York State Science Standards to those of NGSS including content, rigor, and clarity.  In addition, there are other aspects of NGSS that vary from the design and content of the current NY State Learning Standards for Science.
Picture

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