Science Test Prep
Are you preparing your students for end of year testing?
I have some great resources to help you prepare your students for testing, and some tips to help testing go smoother!
Science Test Prep can be Fun!
Review games are a great choice for test prep! Students are going to be engaged and excited about test prep if it is fun!
These Jeopardy-style games are a perfect way to get your students excited about test prep! You and your students will have a blast playing these game show style review games! You can use these for assessment practice after teaching the standard and review at the end of the year.
I also have these science review board games that are a ton of fun!
Science Practice Tests
Another great way to prepare your students for testing is practice tests! Practice tests are a great way to help students get comfortable with the process of testing. Practice tests are also a great way for you to determine what areas your students may need additional review on.
Practice tests are a great low stakes way to set your students up for success!
I have lots of practice tests available! Whether you are preparing your students for the Utah RISE Science test, the AzSci test, CAST, or another NGSS standardized test!
Your Students are Ready. What Now?
Once you have prepared your students for standardized testing, how do you ensure they are successful when testing day comes?
Continue reading for some great tips and tricks for testing day!
Tip #1: Promote a Calm and Positive Testing Environment
Stay calm on test day! If you are stressed, your students will pick up on it! I like to arrive earlier than usual on testing day so I can make sure I am prepared when the students arrive.
Testing day would be a great day for a “happy teacher outfit”, especially if you teach younger students! Wear a sparkly shirt, or a fun dress! If students feel stressed, they can look at your rainbow dress, or sequined shoes as a reminder that everything is going to be okay!
Tip #2: Have a Plan for Fast Finishers
Some of your students will finish ahead of schedule! It is important to ensure you have a plan to kep them busy so they do not interrupt other students that are still testing! This can be as simple as having them read a book at their desk, or you can provide a crossword puzzle or an informational text passage!
Tip #3: Plan an Activity for After the Test!
It is tempting to have a relaxing day after testing. It would be so easy to put on a movie, but resist the urge! Instead of a movie, a hands on STEM activity, or an educational game would be a great idea!
Tip #4 Encourage your Students!
Before testing I like to go around the classroom, give each student an M&M or other candy, and say, “Okay, everyone take your smart pill before the test!”. This is a fun way to help students relieve some stress!
Tip #5: Remind your Students that Testing is not the End of the World
Testing is stressful for students! Worrying about what score they will get can throw off their performance on the test! It is important to make sure students know that their scores do not define their worth! Maybe you have a bright student that struggles with test taking. Maybe you have a student who is artistically inclined and struggles with math. These students need to know that their scores are not the end of the world!
