Systems Object Framework is an assessment tool that captures both levels of system structure and students’ growing conceptualization of that system structure.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will interact with Systems Object Framework and learn how: 1. to use it as an assessment tool evaluating student conceptualization of system structure; 2. to use it as a curriculum design tool; and 3. NGSS standards are being promoted through the use of SOF.

SPEAKERS:
Narmin Ghalichi (Bowling Green State University: Bowling Green, OH)

We are awash in assessment data, but often it’s overwhelming to make sense of it. Join us to learn tips and strategies for wrangling data.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore new ways to organize data collection and raw data to aid in exploring the data for stories after it is collected; 2. Acquire skills in tying questions, data types, and data visualizations to enhance your ability to make sense of your assessment data; and 3. Identify next steps to better utilize and leverage your assessment data to help you measure students’ learning and know what steps to consider next.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson (Dataspire Education & Evaluation, LLC)

Join us as we explore a continuum of engagement strategies to formatively assess your students’ ability to demonstrate mastery of 3-D science standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. gain new ideas to formatively assess 3-D learning; 2. participate actively in academic games; and 3. leave our session with accessible tools to use in the classroom next week!

SPEAKERS:
Mary Headrick (AMSTI-University of Alabama, Huntsville: Huntsville, AL), Shundra Morris (AMSTI-University of Alabama, Huntsville: Huntsville, AL), Ann Iott (AMSTI-University of Alabama, Huntsville: Huntsville, AL), Cayce Perry (AMSTI-University of Alabama, Huntsville: Huntsville, AL)

Incorporate “Escape Room” activities that will assess and enrich your science lessons by using technology and cross-curricular connections. Come "Break Out"! Bring your own device.

Please note that hands-on materials are available to the first 40 participants.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to: 1. use a digital platform in creating break-outs for the classroom; 2. understand the benefits of using break-outs; and 3. participate in a hands-on engaging session that will leave you excited about how to implement and assess in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Headrick (AMSTI-University of Alabama, Huntsville: Huntsville, AL), Cayce Perry (AMSTI-University of Alabama, Huntsville: Huntsville, AL), Charles Holloway (The University of Alabama in Huntsville: Huntsville, AL), Ann Iott (AMSTI-University of Alabama, Huntsville: Huntsville, AL), Shundra Morris (AMSTI-University of Alabama, Huntsville: Huntsville, AL)

Formative assessment through scientific discourse, modeling, and argumentation regarding evidence for scientific phenomena or theory gives authentic insight into student understanding of difficult science concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Understand the role of formative assessment within the teaching progression to promote student achievement; 2. Value argumentation and modeling as valid forms of formative assessment; and 3. Identify that scientific discourse with peers is a valuable learning tool within a classroom to give insight into student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Mansell (Washington Fields Intermediate School: Washington, UT)

This session will introduce you to the use of "probing questions" that uncover how students (and teachers) think about concepts and phenomena for the purpose of informing instruction while simultaneously promoting conceptual learning. The new digital Google Classroom probes will also be introduced.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn why it is important to start with students' (and teachers') initial ideas; 2. Examine specially designed questions called "probes" that reveal what students (and teachers) are really thinking about core ideas, (including answer choices that mirror commonly held ideas noted in the research literature), and the support material for using the probes effectively in pre- and post-assessment; and 3. Gain strategies for using the probes in K–12 inclusive classrooms as well as with teachers during professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Page Keeley (NSTA Past President: No City, No State)

This interactive session showcases embedded assessment strategies created for an elementary unit on Earth's geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, adaptable for other NGSS-based instructional units.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn a variety of effective assessment strategies that can be used before, during, and after instruction to determine student understanding and learning needs; 2. learn how to seamlessly integrate interactive formative assessments during instruction; and 3. apply what they have learned, by identifying and sharing one new assessment strategy to integrate into their own instructional practice.

SPEAKERS:
Ellen Schiller (Grand Valley State University, Robert C. Pew Campus: Grand Rapids, MI), Heather Miller (Austin Community College, Elgin Campus: Elgin, TX)

Participants will engage in developing formative and summative assessments that connect students with science practices. We will discuss strategies for using performance data to inform instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using assessment during instruction will help students focus on science practices in the curriculum, e.g., constructing explanations, scientific argumentation, analyzing data, and making informed predictions. Assessment after instruction will help measure mastery of skills and course content objectives; 2. Participants will learn and practice strategies for developing skills-based questions to use during and after instruction, and get a preview of data-analysis strategies that use question performance to inform immediate instructional interventions; and 3. Participants will build awareness of how to scaffold instruction and assessment to best support acquisition and reinforcement of skills.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Lionberger (WestEd: San Francisco, CA), Mitch Price (College Board: New York, NY), Catherine Walsh (College Board: Alachua, FL)

Discover resources and tools to aid in crafting 3-D assessments. Bring your own assessment for peer feedback or explore OERs to adapt to your setting.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Best practices in 3-D assessment design; 2. Strategies for adapting existing assessments; and 3. Resources for identifying engaging phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Becky McDowell (Independent Contractor: Springfield, PA)