Students take the science PSSA in their 8th grade year only
It covers material from 5th grade science up to and including content in 8th grade
There are 58 multiple choice questions and 5 open-ended questions that are taken over the course of 2 days.
Topics are under the following groupings in the exam:
Nature of Science (items may include scientific method, testable question, experimental design, etc.) -this section is 50% of questions on the Science PSSA or approximately 32 questions
Biological Science (items may include cells, heredity, ecosystems, evolution, etc.) -approximately 16-17%, or 12 questions
Physical Science (items may include matter, chemical and physical properties, energy, motion, etc.) -approximately 16-17%, or 12 questions
Earth and Space Science (items may include volcanoes, earth formation, planetary concepts, etc.) -approximately 16-17%, or 12 questions
Important Links: Assessment Anchors: This is the link to all of the assessment anchors on the Science PSSA. Test Design: This document contains information regarding the test design that I outlined above. Open-Ended Scoring Guideline:: The science open-ended is evaluated on a 2 point scale. Parent Resource Guide for Common Core PSSA (Math/ELA): Information about the the changes to the math and ELA as it relates to common core. GREAT information on how to help support your students!
Practice Resources
Both 7th and 8th graders will have "Test Prep Fridays."
8th grade students will be using the test prep book, "Measuring Up" in class.
7th and 8th grade students will be making and practicing flashcards using the vocabulary list from the PSSA.