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Adding Dimension to Science Assessment: Engaging Students, Capturing Deeper Learning
Thursday, October 8, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
Adding Dimension to Science Assessment: Engaging Students, Capturing Deeper Learning
Presented by Cary Sneider, Ph.D., NGSS Writing Team Leader, Former Instructor and Mentor, Master of Science in Teaching (MST) Program, Portland State University
Moderated by Carrie Adler, M.Ed., NBCT, Former Educator, Current Senior Learning Experience Designer, ExploreK12
Sponsored by ExploreK12
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
Science assessment can go beyond measuring what students know to revealing how well they can apply the dimensions of modern science education standards, such as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Watch this edWebinar with nationally recognized science education leader Cary Sneider, Ph.D., to explore the potential of scenario-based science assessments to evaluate your students' disciplinary core ideas (DCIs), science and engineering practices (SEPs), and crosscutting concepts (CCCs).
Three-dimensional (3D) assessments are essential because they help identify what's working, what needs improvement, how to provide useful student feedback, and which parts of a unit should be kept or modified. Science teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum leaders, and administrators can learn:
- A deeper understanding of 3D science assessment that engages students' higher-level thinking and provides actionable information on all three dimensions
- Practical strategies for assessing core ideas, science practices, and crosscutting concepts
- Approaches for leveraging Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) to support student engagement in scientific argumentation
- Ideas for identifying misconceptions and promoting authentic scientific thinking
Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical strategies for creating assessments that reveal deeper understanding, drive instructional decisions, and help students connect science learning to the real world. This recorded edWebinar will be of interest to middle and high school science teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum leaders, and administrators.
About the Presenter
Cary Sneider (Harvard BA, UC Berkeley Ph.D.) taught science at the middle and high school levels in Maine, California, Costa Rica, and Micronesia. During mid-career, he joined the Lawrence Hall of Science, where he developed skills in curriculum development and teacher education. He then spent ten years as Vice President for Programs at the Museum of Science in Boston, followed by a decade as an instructor in a Master of Science in Teaching program at Portland State University in Oregon. In recent years, he served as a lead consultant for engineering to the National Research Council committee that developed A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas and played a similar role on the writing team for Next Generation Science Standards. From 2012 to 2019, he served on the National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as The Nation’s Report Card.
About the Moderator
Carrie Adler is a Senior Learning Experience Designer for Gizmos. Before joining ExploreK12™ (formerly ExploreLearning™), she taught middle school science for 15+ years and earned National Board Certification in Early Adolescence/Science Education. Her degrees include a B.S. in biology from Haverford College in Pennsylvania and an M.Ed. in secondary science education from the University of Maryland. Passionate about environmental science and STEAM education, she aims to inspire young scientists around the world to tackle the next generation’s challenges through effective technological tools and curricula.
Join the Teaching Next Generation Scientists community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
ExploreK12™, a Cambium Learning Group brand, is a leading provider of K-12 educational technology solutions in literacy, math, and science. Formed from the combination of ExploreLearning® and Learning A-Z®, we serve over 15 million students and educators across 150+ countries. Our award-winning, research-backed programs—including Gizmos™, Raz-Plus®, Reflex™, and Frax™—help educators unlock brighter futures for every student through engaging, joyful learning experiences that drive real results across these critical subjects. To learn more, visit www.explorek12.com.
