Teachers in NGSS states know that the struggle is real when it comes to test prep. NGSS-based standardized tests are full of diagrams, charts, multiple scenarios, and lengthy pieces of text! To make it even more tricky, item types can come in a wide variety of styles. Sometimes it definitely takes some critical thinking skills and practice with various item types to decipher what the question is asking.
Science Penguin has got you covered with several NGSS test prep resource options! Here’s a run-down of what we offer to help teachers in NGSS states prepare students for standardized testing.
Ideal for 5th-grade science tests in:
- California
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Maryland
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Nevada
- Washington
- New Jersey
10-Day NGSS Review
This resource is designed to be used when you have 10 days remaining before the test! Each day contains 5 standalone questions and 5 questions that are in a cluster set format, and this resource is in Google Forms format to mimic online testing. Topics include 3rd-5th NGSS standards, with a heavier emphasis on 5th-grade topics.
Questions feature a mixture of item types, like multiple choice, multiselect, grids, dropdowns, and open response. We recommend going over these with students to clear up any misconceptions and to discuss strategies for tackling the different item types! Take a look!
NGSS Constructed Response Practice
Many NGSS standardized tests feature some type of constructed response, also known as an open response. These questions provide a stimulus and ask students to write their own answers, rather than choosing a response. These are graded with a rubric. We’ve created 30 sample constructed response questions that align with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade NGSS standards. Rubrics are also included for easy scoring!
These questions are in Google Forms format as well, so students can practice typing like they would on the actual test day. This resource provides students with the perfect opportunity to practice writing responses and analyze how they are scored. Take a look.
NGSS Test Prep Task Cards
Sometimes you might want students to practice several questions on the same topic. Test Prep Task Cards are the perfect way to focus on one concept while practicing test-taking strategies! These sets have 20 multiple-choice questions and are available as printables or Google Forms for easy grading. We offer 8 sets, each aligned with a major Disciplinary Core Idea. 4 sets align with 4th-grade standards, and 4 with 5th-grade standards.
Teachers love to use Test Prep Task Cards sets in different ways. They can be “played” like a game show, posted around the room and completed as a gallery walk, used with simple board games for a fun twist, used as independent practice, and so much more! Discussing these afterward with students is key, because it offers a chance to clear up misconceptions and really focus on the details of each concept as you look at each question together. Printable and in Google Forms. Take a look.
Test Prep Resources + Purposeful Routines = Success!
Creating a test-prep routine can help your students know what to expect on a standardized test. Just knowing the science concepts isn’t enough these days! It’s also important to learn how to decipher item type formatting and to have some test-taking strategies in their toolbox.
Here’s how you can accomplish that over the course of a school year:
- Use each Test Prep Task Card set as a review throughout the year, when you are finished teaching each set’s standards. You can always come back to these before testing if needed!
- Incorporate Constructed Response questions as you teach the related topic. These can also be revisited near the end of the year if needed.
- Start the 10 Days to NGSS 2-3 weeks right before the big test day, when you have about 10 days of instruction left.
We’ve put a lot of research into creating these products to ensure that they align not only with NGSS standards but also with the rigor of modern testing expectations. With these ideas and resources, your students (and you) will be better prepared for test day!
Click a resource to learn more!
