Scientific Observations

Assessment Task Template
Task Name:
Grade Level:
GLEs:
Related GLEs:
Grouping:
individual, sm group, etc.
Format:
paper/pencil, obser., etc
Approximate
Assessment
Time:
Materials:
Protocol:
TASK #K1 K.1.1 and K.1.2 Scientific Observations
Kindergarten
Science: K.1.1- Match each of the five senses with its associated
body part and the kind of information it perceives.
Science: K.1.2-Make scientific observations using the five senses
and distinguish between an object’s observable properties and its
name or its uses.
LA: K.OL.10-Describe objects, events, feelings, etc. with details or
examples.
Math: K.3.8-Use nonstandard units, physical referents or everyday
objects to compare, estimate and order measures of length, area,
capacity, weight and temperature and describe the reasoning and
strategies used.
LA: K.OL.7-Share information and ideas in complete sentences.
Small
Observation/Interview
5 minutes
An orange (or alternate healthy food selected by teachers, cut in
sections; one section per student, prepared ahead of time)
Note: Be aware of any food allergies that students may have.
Recording chart (attached)
Teacher will say:
“Today you are going to make scientific observations using your 5
senses. I am going ask you to observe a (food item). We will
complete this in two steps:
Step 1: Take out the recording chart (one recording chart for each
student). Teacher says to small group: “I want you to draw a line,
to match each of the five senses with the correct body part.”
Note: When your small group has completed Step 1, teacher
distributes one food item to each student.
Step 2: Teacher says:
“I want you to tell me what you observe about your (food), using
each of the five senses.” (Teacher records student responses)
Science Task K-1

For Example:
Taste: I want you to taste your food and describe how it tastes
(use words such as – sweet, bitter, sour, tart, spicy).
Scoring/Outcome
Indicators:
Notes:
Variations:
BODY PART RUBRIC:
0= matches 0-1 sense to appropriate body part
1= matches 2-3 body senses to appropriate body parts
2= matches 4-5 senses to body parts
SENSES RUBRIC:
0= made 0-1 appropriate scientific observations using 5 senses
1= made 2-3 appropriate scientific observations using 5 senses
2= made 4-5 appropriate scientific observations using 5 senses
May use this assessment for K.1.1 or K.1.2.
Materials: some suggested fruits or vegetables with multiple
attributes
• Apple
• Orange
• Celery
• Broccoli
• Raisin
Give assessment individually.
If child has difficulty drawing lines, child can indicate match by
pointing.
Science Task K-1

Name: ________________________ Date:___________________
Step 1
Match the sense with the appropriate body part:
See
Hear
Taste
Touch
Science Task K-1
Smell

Name:____________________________
Step 2
Teacher Anecdotal Notes of Student Observations
Science Task K-1