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FCAT - Science. FCAT 101: Information and Tips for Grade 5 By: Mrs. Oliva- Espinosa. What is the FCAT?. The FCAT 2.0 measures student achievement of the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS) in science.
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FCAT - Science FCAT 101: Information and Tips for Grade 5 By: Mrs. Oliva- Espinosa
What is the FCAT? The FCAT 2.0 measures student achievement of the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS) in science. All Florida public school students in grades 5 & 8 are required to take the FCAT. FCAT will be taken during the tentative date of April 12 & 13.
Science FCAT 2.0 Design Summary Nature of Science – Unit 1 (Scientific Method) Earth & Space Science – Units 2 & 3 (Solar System & the Universe, Weather & the Water Cycle) Physical Science – Units 4, 5, 6, & 7 (Matter, Energy, Electricity, Forces & Motion) Life Science – Units 8, 9, & 10 (Human Body, the Environment, & Plant & Animal Adaptations)
Helping Your Child Learn Science You can help your children turn curiosity into an understanding of science by encouraging your child to ask questions, make predictions, and explore in a safe environment. This support helps them become successful students and scientific thinkers. Use Powerschool as a tool. View your child’s grades weekly. If they perform poorly on a Unit Test or Quiz, use the online Science Resources to review the lessons in the Unit.
Tips/Strategies to Help My Child Succeed on the Science FCAT • Review and study digital lessons covered in our Science Fusion curriculum through Think Central. Students have access to the same resources we use in class. Students can review notes from virtual labs and even conduct the same virtual labs at home with you. • Have students review their science notebook/binder including notes, vocabulary definitions, and other classwork for each unit covered. • During conversations, instead of giving your child an answer, ask what his/her prediction is. For example: What do you think is going to happen?
How Can Students Prepare for the FCAT in School? • Actively participate in all subjects. • Ask questions for clarification. • Complete all class assignments. • Be aware of time and use it wisely. • Be motivated to learn. • Do their best every day!
How Do We Help Students Prepare for the FCAT? • Instruction based on Next Generation Sunshine State Standards • Small group instruction • STEM Lab • FCAT Jeopardy • Videos (Bill Nye, Discovery Education, etc) • FCAT Prep Booklets (Handouts) • Emphasis on Academic & Domain Vocabulary • Discovery Education Benchmark Assessments • Test Taking Strategies
Test Invalidation If a test is invalidated, it means that it will not be scored. If your child’s test is invalidated, they will not receive an FCAT score, and will not be able to retake the same test.
To make sure a test is not invalidated All electronic devices must be turned off before the test. Your child’s teacher will collect all electronic devices during the testing period.
Some examples of electronic devices are: • Cell phones • Handheld video games • MP3 players • Calculators (unless you are allowed to have an FCAT calculator)
Avoiding Test Anxiety It’s good to be concerned about doing well on a test; however, test anxiety refers to excessive worry about doing well on a test. Excessive worry can actually interfere with a student’s ability to demonstrate what they know. Students know that the FCAT is an important test and they are concerned with doing well.
To help your child avoid test anxiety follow the tips below: • Begin studying early and review study material more than once. • Cramming increases anxiety and interferes with clear thinking. • 2. Resting, exercising, and eating well are important before the test. • Try a hot breakfast and peppermint. • Send snacks like cheese, apples, and peanut-butter crackers. 3. Review important test skills such as: • bubbling in and erasing carefully • looking for key words in questions • reading all the choices before selecting one • not spending too much time on any one question • answering all the questions (no penalty for trying)
Do’s: • Encourage and Praise! • Regular attendance is a must! • Create a quiet, comfortable place to study at home. • Provide books, children’s magazines, and other materials for your child to read at home. • Balance recreation and study time. • Take advantage of tutoring. • Go on websites that help them prepare for the FCAT. • Practice reading when they have free time. 9. Learn FCAT science vocabulary.
Don’ts • Don’t be too anxious about a child’s test scores. • Don’t be late or rushed on test days! • Don’t skip breakfast!
Thank you for coming!!! QUESTIONS??? Go to www.fldoe.org for more information. E-mail – Oliva.Barbara@franklin-academy.org Website: http://mrsolivaespinosa.weebly.com/
Helpful Websites • Study Guide Zone http://www.studyguidezone.com/fcat_science.htm • Florida Department of Education http://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/history-of-fls-statewide-assessment/fcat-2-0/sample-questions-answer-key.stml • Florida Students http://www.floridastudents.org/#29|5|13069|0 • Think Central https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/ePC/start.do • Discovery Education http://www.discoveryeducation.com/ • Study Jams – Science http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/index.htm
