Benchmarks

In order to see a student understand the benchmark about how shadows are made, I would want them to show me using different materials. For example, they could use a flash light and put an object in the way of the light rays, therefore causing the shadow. I would want them to show me and explain the principles of it as they are doing it. You would be able to tell if they understood by how they explained it to you while they were performing their demonstration. They would be able to explain how the light is being blocked, which stops the light from reaching the area behind the obstruction. Demonstrating this while describing it would be fairly easy if the student understood what they were talking about.

For the student to understand the benchmark about needing evidence when making scientific decisions, I would want them to show me an experiment they conducted and how they came up with their conclusions. I would want to see how they used their senses (seeing, hearing, etc.) to back up their data and conclusions. This would include having data written down, including observations that were made during the experiment. The more information that they are able to attain to back up their conclusions, the more detailed and concrete information they will have. It will overall only strengthen their argument, which is an area that I will be able to assess once it is done.