The Ohio Fourth Grade
Proficiency Test in Science
This test also contains multiple choice, short answer and extended response items. Students may be asked to provide an explanation, interpret a chart or graph, explain cause-and-effect relationships, make predictions, describe natural processes, and use classification systems. This test is designed to measure problem solving and thinking skills and not just rote knowledge of facts. Students may be asked questions on the following topics:
- sorting and categorizing objects
- select appropriate instruments needed to gather data
- use metric measurements
- use a dichotomous key
- understand cycles - such as the phases of the moon, the seasonal positions of the sun, the life cycles of plants and the motion of gears.
- explain how to set up an experiment or exploration - tell the best materials to use and how to obtain accurate results
- tell how to use materials safely
- be familiar with the six basic simple machines (lever, wedge, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, screw)
- identify physical changes
- discuss the relationships between force, mass, friction and motion
- predict weather changes using charts and maps
- tell the effects pollution, erosion, and conservation have on the environment
- show examples of changes in the earth's surface due to wind, water, glaciers, etc.
- discuss the needs of living things
- identify how plants and animals change, due to environmental conditions
- tell the differences between living and non-living things
- read and analyze nutrition labels and diets
Our science curriculum has been re-aligned and expanded to include all topics covered on the Proficiency Test. Our school is fortunate to have a science facilitator, Mrs. Joan Stidham, who works with teachers and students to help implement the science curriculum. Our students are exposed to many hands-on type activities in the science lab and the classroom. This exposure allows the students to directly plan the steps in the scientific method and experience problem solving opportunities.