Achievement-Level Descriptors (Abbreviated)

GRADE 3

Step 1
Examples of mastery: compare physical characteristics of objects; read simple charts and graphs; describe an object’s position relative too another; identify Earth’s physical properties; identify simple patterns; describe the difference between living and non-living things; identify characteristics of organisms that allow it to survive;  recognize simple cause and effect events.

Progressing
Examples of mastery: recognize causes of pollution; identify characteristics of mammals; record simple observations; demonstrate magnetic force; list the physical properties of the moon; apply information from life experiences; identify effects of erosion; identify types of forces; identify the effects of the rotation of the Earth.

Nearing Proficiency
Examples of mastery: position objects relative to others; describe a 4-step food chain; complete a bar graph; identify naturally-occurring resources; describe simple solutions to posed problems; list basic survival techniques of small animals; illustrate changes in states of water; describe the life cycle of plants.

Proficient
Examples of mastery: explain the water cycle; identify causes of physical changes in Earth’s crust; connect science to every-day life; explain the difference between stars and planets; interpret the moon and sun rotation/revolving cycles; describe electrostatic force; interpret data and draw conclusions; describe the life cycle of animals.

Advanced
Examples of mastery: interpret Earth, moon, and sun cycles; describe the properties of sound; analyze simple real-world problems; describe weather-related phenomena; use pictures, models, and numbers to communicate science concepts; interpret simple charts; name the types of forces and how they affect objects; identify producer/consumer relationships.

GRADE 7

Step 1
Examples of mastery: interpret the food pyramid and a food web; apply knowledge from life experiences; describe how plants reproduce; record information in simple charts; explain producer/consumer/decomposer relationship; name forms of energy; explain about animal niches; illustrate how living things adapt to environment.

Progressing
Examples of mastery: interpret the action-reaction law; create tables to record data; connect science concepts to everyday life; read simple charts, graphs, and tables; describe simple relationships; relate properties of Earth that sustain life; utilize basic properties of light; explain the use of insulators and conductors; identify the basic patterns of movement of the Solar System.

Nearing Proficiency
Examples of mastery: describe the transmission and prevention of diseases; compare renewable vs. non-renewable resources; create simple charts and tables; describe the effects of earthquakes on Earth’s crust; design simple investigations; draw inferences from data; compare asexual vs. sexual reproduction; compare scientific theories vs. laws.

Proficient
Examples of mastery: interpret complex diagrams and abstract models; identify causes of the greenhouse effect; use technical terms to describe scientific relationships; identify the cause of acid rain and describe its effects; design an experiment to produce reliable data; list some natural resources of Missouri; describe effects of UV light; identify survival characteristics of mammals.

Advanced
Examples of mastery: explain the moon phases; use science concepts to infer, predict, and draw conclusions; survey the electrical resistance of common objects; relate temperature to pressure and vice versa; control multiple variables in experiments; analyze impact of technology and human activity on the environment; use patterns in data to extrapolate information.

GRADE 10

Step 1
Examples of mastery: read simple tables and diagrams; identify the resources of oceans; describe causes of population decreases; apply the properties of light; recognize effects of science and technology on society; identify components of experiments; cite advantages and disadvantages of proposed solutions; provide support for conclusions drawn from a set of data.

Progressing
Examples of mastery: describe the effects of population increases on water supplies; describe the uses of energy transfer; interpret tables, graphs, and diagrams; cite some benefits of the space program; summarize data charts; identify landfill contamination; apply basic science concepts to everyday life; utilize the properties of solutions; investigate models of genetic frequencies.

Nearing Proficiency
Examples of mastery: illustrate seismic waves of earthquakes; design repeatable investigations; formulate conclusions supported by data; explain how vaccines work; explain the relationship between velocity and acceleration; describe the role of red blood cells; define tectonic plate movement; compare meiosis and mitosis; propose and evaluate solutions to real-world problems.

Proficient
Examples of mastery: define the half-life of radioactive elements; illustrate the transfer of heat energy; weigh advantages vs. disadvantages in making decisions; organize and analyze data; explain the conservation of momentum; make use of mechanical energy/work; justify conclusions made based on data; explain energy flow through trophic levels.

Advanced
Examples of mastery: explain how transfer of heat takes place on the molecular level; use Periodic Table to derive chemical formulas; communicate knowledge through detailed explanations; calculate the efficiency of simple machines; describe the life cycle of a star; demonstrate the Doppler Effect; relate force and mass to acceleration; explain concept of rotational motion.