Encourage tinkering with ideas, relationships, connections. Set up situations where students have to find information not readily available in school texts. Provide opportunity for students to design open-ended explorations of the concept. Provide multiple options so students can plan a unique "proof" of learning.
Plant research with fast plants
Objective: Plant research with fast plants - choose a performance assessment
Activity:
1) Conduct a long-term inquiry using Wisconson Fast Plants such as, "What effect does growth hormone (Gibberellic Acid) have on the height/length of a plant
2) Plant and Interdependence Performance Assessment: Students choose a topic to research that is an application of plant structure and function and its interdependent role in the "Circle of Life." Students then present what they have learned in a format that they prefer. Rubrics are also distributed so that students are clear on what they will be assessed on and to increase the level of performance.
