Preparing for the Science DSTP

Preparing for the Science DSTP

Sample Test Items

What is the DSTP Testing me on?

• All 8 Science Content Standards for the Kindergarten to 3rd grade level cluster.

• Weather and Organisms from 1st grade ….and

• Life Cycles, Balance and Motion, Healthy Growth and Development and Soils from 2nd grade….and

• Human Body, Earth Materials and Water 3rd grade

What does the DSTP look like?

• The science test includes 32 multiple choice items, which are scored on a scale point range of 1-0

• And 18 short answer (constructed response) items, which are scored on a scale point range of 2-1-0.

Let’s look at some DSTP sample items!

From: www.doe.state.de.us/AAB/DSTP_ite

ms_Science.html

Scoring Tool:

2 points: Identifies at least three living things (plants, turtle, frog) and three non-living things (trash, cans, clouds, rocks, dirt, soil, water, sky) from the picture.

1 point: Partially correct, accurately identifies 3 objects in the picture as belonging to either the living or non-living category, e.g., identifies two correct living things and one correct non-living thing.

0 points: Incorrect, Inappropriate, or Incomplete – less than three correct Identifications

In the Chart below, list three living things and three non-living things

Living Non-living

In the Chart below, list three living things and three non-living things

Living Non-living

Item 2A compost pile has dead leaves, an apple core, a newspaper, earthworms, and a plastic bottle. Describe at least two changes that will occur over a year’s time. Explain why.

Scoring Tool

2 points: Describes two (2) possible events that could occur, e.g., the earthworm will facilitate the decomposition of the apple core, the dead leaves and the newspaper, nothing will happen to the bottle; earthworm gets bigger, earthworm creates tunnels for air, earthworm creates spaces for water, or any other scientifically accurate response.

1 point: Describes only one correct possible event.

0 points: Incorrect, inappropriate, or incomplete response

Item 3

A stone fence lasts longer than a wooden fence. Think about the physical properties of stone and wood. Explain why a stone fence lasts longer.

Scoring Tool2 points: Student gives any complete and scientifically correct answer, for example: Stone is more durable material and will not disintegrate as readily as wood.1 point: Student gives any partially correct answer, for example: Stone is stronger then wood.0 points: Incorrect, inappropriate, or incomplete response.

Publicly Released Items from the following sources:

http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/ITMRLS/NQT_StartSearch.asp

http://timss.bc.edu/timss1995i/Items.html

www.kenton.k12.ky.us/assessment/stateitems.htm?bcsi_scan_6951B902C70E4971=0&bcsi_scan_filename=stateitems.htm

Thanks for a Great Effort!