Good science instruction provides opportunities for students to develop understandings and skills necessary to function productively as problem-solvers in a scientific and technological world.  As science educators, we want to involve students in first-hand investigative experiences using inquiry.  Scientific inquiry provides the foundation for students to learn how to ask questions and use evidence to respond to them.  Coupling inquiry-based instruction with the content and processes of science as described in the Rhode Island K-12 Grade Span Expectations in Science provides the platform with which science educators can build success with their students.

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Grade Level and Grade Span Expectations

The Rhode Island K-12 Grade Span Expectations in Science (GSEs) have been developed as a means to identify the science concepts and skills expected of all students. The science GSEs have been written for grade spans K-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and high school and are organized into three domains; Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Physical Science.

Guidelines for the Development of Science Inquiry Tasks

This document was written by the science teams from NH, VT, and RI to define and clarify the inquiry tasks for the test developer creating the NECAP Science inquiry tasks. Teachers should also find it a valuable tool to assist them in designing their own inquiry tasks and incorporating inquiry-based instruction into their classrooms.

Support Materials and Released Items for Science

At this page you will find resources such as Science Depth of Knowledge, Science Inquiry Schema, and Inquiry Assessment (PPT) along with released items from the May, 2008 NECAP Science Assessment..