Science Projects & Tests
Many educators feel that science projects and tests need to be broken into two different categories, but this isn't necessarily the case. Instead, it is worth exploring the possibility of using the experiments and projects as the test itself. This practice measures a student's practical knowledge of the material and their ability to apply basic scientific and documentation procedures in a real-world setting. A test in the form of a project can be comprised of fours parts.
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Demonstration
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When you study a given principle in science class, as a test you could ask the students to design an experiment that would demonstrate that principle. You could allow them to use the Internet to find suggestions for what kind of experiment they might want to conduct. For instance, if you were studying density, some students might choose to do an experiment such as floating an egg in salt water. Others might choose to test the density of various liquids by pouring different types of liquid into beaker and then observing the layers that develop.
Pre-Experiment Documentation
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Once they decide what type of experiment they want to do, require that students write a paper that outlines how the experiment will be conducted before they actually begin their projects. This not only allows you to ensure they will only do experiments that are safe and will prove the concept in question, but also allows you to test their knowledge of proper documentation procedures for a lab setting. Their initial report should include the problem, the hypothesis and a description of the procedures that will be used to conduct the experiment or project.
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Experimenting
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Students can start their experiments after you have approved their pre-experiment preparation. Te students should do this work in front of you in a classroom setting. If students want to conduct a longer term project, have them do it on their own time outside class and have them record the results or bring in the final product like they would for a science fair project. Stress that recording results properly is a key part of any experiment, and offer marks for properly recorded results.
Final Report
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The final report should include the results that were gathered during the course of the project and a discussion of them. Finally, a conclusion will be drawn that either refutes or supports the original hypothesis. You can divide the marks for the tests into four sections, one for each phase of the project, or simply grade it based on how much effort and detail you perceive the student put into it. Utilizing science projects as tests or in conjunction with tests creates for students a fun alternative to constant written quizzes, and yet still accurately measures what they have learned in class.
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References
Resources
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