Research

To launch the work of CAESART, we are conducting a comprehensive landscape analysis, including a systematic review of existing preK to grade 5 science assessments for use by researchers. The landscape analysis will document the tools available to capture elementary students’ science learning, and identify and describe features of the assessments such as ages and grades of focus, psychometric details, attention to fairness, accessibility, and resources for administration.

A key outcome of this effort is the creation of a publicly available database, which will publish the findings and highlight gaps in our current abilities to assess students’ science learning. By making this database available, we aim to identify tools that can provide valuable insights to educators, researchers, and policymakers about students’ science learning to advance high-quality science instruction and assessment and guide the development of innovative, evidence-based tools and strategies for the field.

CAESART is conducting two measurement studies aimed at developing and validating new ways to assess science learning in young students.

The University of Miami will lead a study to adapt Lens on Science, a computer-adaptive assessment designed for preschoolers, to measure science learning in grades K–2. This study will extend the Lens assessment to assess learning in the life science, physical science, and earth and space science domains, with additional engineering and technology items integrated where relevant.

CRESST at UCLA will lead a study to develop and validate digital game-based performance tasks for kindergarten students. These tasks will reflect the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) performance expectations in physical science and will allow students to engage with science phenomena and problems in a reasoning-based context. The goal is to create a set of innovative, adaptive, and engaging assessments that measure how young learners apply science concepts in real-world scenarios.

A key priority of this work is ensuring that these tools are fair and accessible, providing accurate measurements of science understanding for all students.

CAESART will also carry out an impact study to examine the effects of Amplify Science, an integrated science and literacy curriculum developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science, on student science learning. This study will examine curriculum implementation and test whether this curriculum improves students’ understanding of science, both in the short term (over one school year) and long term (sustained over two academic years).

Using a randomized controlled trial, the study will compare outcomes for students using the integrated curriculum to those using a traditional, non-integrated science curriculum. The study will also explore variations in outcomes based on factors such as curriculum implementation and student, teacher, and school characteristics.