Cripsat: Previous Projects/ NFER Nelson

Previous Projects / NFER Nelson

	Optional assessment materials
NFER Nelson
	Gravity research
	Forces research
	SPACE project
	Museum evaluation
	International Consultancy
	Diagnostic Analysis of KS2 Science Tests

Two sets of assessment modules were developed in response to teachers' expressed need for a means of checking children's understanding of the science taught at any point in the primary or lower secondary education. The materials are based on the authors' long involvement in national assessment.

One third of the items in each module assess children's understanding of scientific enquiry. The others assess knowledge and understanding parts of the Programme of Study. Clear criteria are presented in each mark scheme. Pupil's score on each test are related to National Curriculum Levels.

The early years set of five modules spans levels 1-3 of the national curriculum in England and Wales.

The upper primary and early secondary set of eight modules assess ideas within levels 3-5 of the National Curriculum for England and Wales, the Curriculum for Scotland and National Curriculum for Northern Ireland. Each of the modules assess both scientific enquiry skills and teaching of a particular content area within these curricula.

Science Assessment Series 1 (Levels 1-3)

Humans and Other Animals
Plants
Materials
Light and Sound
Electricity and Forces

Science Assessment Series 2 (Levels 3-5)

Humans and Other Animals
Plants
Living Things in Their Environment
Materials
Changing Materials
Electricity
Light and Sound
Forces and the Earth and Beyond

The modules have been subjected to rigorous pre-testing involving over xxxxxx thousand pupils between years 1-7. This pre testing has involved schools in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

It is intended that the modules could be used separately to help the teacher accumulate information about pupils' achievement. The modules can contribute to assessment immediately following teaching, at the end of a year or at the end of a key stage. To help teachers implement the modules two teachers' guides have been developed. These describe ways in which the modules might be administered in the classroom and provide guidance for marking. The modules were published by NFER Nelson in 2001.

Read a review of these materials and find out where you can buy them.