Skip to main content
    Second Grade
    Today

    Scoring guide · Weeks 13–18 · 30–35 min · 32 points

    Science Unit 3 Test: Engineering Design & Testing

    Directions for the grown-up

    You may read every question, choice, table and passage aloud to your child. This test checks science thinking, not reading. Do not explain science words or hint at answers. Every question is about one story: Sam is building a bird feeder. Have a pencil and crayons ready. Your child may add numbers on scrap paper.

    Part 1: Identifying Problems (8 points)

    Standards: K-2-ETS1-1

    1. Sam may use only things from the recycling bin. That rule is a ____.Answer: constraint · 2 points
    2. Sam's feeder must hold 1 cup of seeds and keep the seeds dry. These are the feeder's ____.Answer: criteria · 2 points
    3. Write one question Sam could ask to learn more about his problem.Answer: Answers vary. Look for a real question, such as: Which birds come to the yard? Where will the feeder hang? How much seed do the birds eat? Does it rain a lot here? · 2 points
    4. An engineer designed the dustpan. What problem does a dustpan solve?Answer: It helps you pick up dirt you swept, so you do not have to pick it up with your hands. · 2 points

    Scoring: Items 1 and 2: 2 points each. Item 3: 2 points for a question about the problem, 1 point for a question that is only loosely connected. Item 4: 2 points for a sensible problem.

    Reteach: Week 13, Week 14

    Part 2: Design & Build (8 points)

    Standards: K-2-ETS1-2

    1. Sketch one bird feeder design. Label at least 3 parts. Write the material next to each part.Answer: Answers vary. Look for: a drawing of a feeder, at least 3 labeled parts (such as roof, seed holder, perch, string), and a material for each (such as milk jug, stick, cardboard). · 4 points
    2. Look at Sam's decision chart. Which design should he build? Why?Answer: The milk jug feeder. It is the only one that meets all three: it holds the seeds, keeps them dry and comes from the recycling bin. · 4 points

    Scoring: Item 1: 1 point for a feeder drawing, 2 points for 3 labeled parts (1 point for 1 or 2), 1 point for materials. Item 2: 2 points for the milk jug feeder, 2 points for a reason that uses the chart (1 point for "it is best" with no chart evidence).

    Reteach: Week 15, Week 16

    Part 3: Testing & Data (8 points)

    Standards: K-2-ETS1-3

    1. How many spoons of water got in, in all, before the change? How many in all after the change?Answer: Before: 9 spoons (3 + 4 + 2). After: 1 spoon (0 + 1 + 0). · 4 points
    2. Did the bigger roof help? Use the numbers. Then tell why Sam tested three times and not just once.Answer: Yes. Only 1 spoon got in instead of 9 (8 fewer). Three trials show what usually happens; one try could be a fluke. · 4 points

    Scoring: Item 1: 2 points for 9, 2 points for 1. Item 2: 1 point for yes, 1 point for using the numbers, 2 points for why we test more than once (1 point for a partial reason).

    Reteach: Week 16

    Part 4: Comparing Solutions (8 points)

    Standards: K-2-ETS1-3

    1. Circle the better number in each row of the table. (Hint: for water, fewer is better.) Which feeder won more rows?Answer: Circle 20, 1 and 7. Feeder A won more rows (2 rows to 1). · 4 points
    2. Finish: A is better at ____. B is better at ____. Then draw or tell about a Design C that uses the best part of each.Answer: A is better at holding seed and keeping it dry. B is better at bringing birds. Design C: answers vary, such as A's roof and seed holder with B's open tray so birds can reach the seed. · 4 points

    Scoring: Item 1: 1 point for each correct circle (3), 1 point for Feeder A. Item 2: 1 point for each sentence (2), 2 points for a Design C that takes a real strength from each feeder (1 point if it takes from only one).

    Reteach: Week 17, Week 18

    D/A/P/E point bands (out of 32)
    LevelPoints
    D · Developing0–15
    A · Approaching16–22
    P · Proficient23–28
    E · Exemplary29–32