The unit on weather had many differen...

The unit on weather had many different components, one assessment I chose clearly demonstrated the students understanding of the water cycle. The water cycle or any life cycle is part of first grade standards. I attached one example to demonstrate what the students where required to do. We had discussed the water cycle in a variety of ways; through a pocket chart, stories, movement, and video. The students were then asked to pretend that they were a rain drop and explain what happened to them. This form of assessment really allowed me to see the depth of their understanding. Some students mentioned words that were briefly introduced but not required by standards. Such as; condensation, evaporation, precipitation. Others simply talked about rain and showed a low understanding of the cycle. I felt that this assessment was an appropriate assessment because it allowed students to demonstrate their knowledge in whatever way they chose. Some students turned the paper over and drew pictures. This was an acceptable form of assessment also. The assessment demonstrated that more then 78% of the students knew the water cycle and were even able to tell me the technical terms. The other students were all at least able to demonstrate a knowledge that the water travels and moves to different locations in a cycle; within varying degrees of understanding.

Here is one example: