Earth Science Magnet

Audition/Assessment Guidelines

The Earth Science magnet offers students a technological platform for increasing their skills in math and science. Students learn to use computers as tools for learning and reporting information, conducting scientific experiments, and collecting, analyzing, and reporting data. Students learn how to use and create spreadsheets, databases, multimedia presentations, and web pages. Additionally, they learn to use scanners, digital cameras, and other peripherals. All computers have Internet access with a 2:1 student computer ration in each class. Seventh grade Earth Science students begin earning one high school science credit during the final quarter of the seventh grade year. Eighth grade Earth Science students will continue with Earth and Space Science. Earth Science students who successfully pass the course and final exam will earn one high school science credit toward high school graduation.

On Assessment Day, a rubric will be used to score performances in the following areas.

Part I – Essay
Please bring – Two #2 pencils and an eraser.

All students applying to Deer Park Middle Magnet School will complete a written essay on Assessment Day. Please do not prepare an essay before the Assessment Day. The essay will be scored using a standard rubric and will be factored into the selection process.

Part II – Magnet Assessment Process
No additional items needed

On Assessment Day, students will independently complete a two-part assessment. Students will read, analyze, and evaluate the scientific processes used in an elementary science investigation. The skills required for completing the assessment align with the fourth and fifth grade Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum for Scientific Inquiry.

In part one, students will read a description of an elementary science investigation. The students will analyze and evaluate the experiment. They will be asked to describe parts of the experiment that were done well. They will also describe changes that would improve the experiment.

In part two, students will view data displayed from an elementary science investigation. They will be asked to describe and explain features of graphs and/or tables that were done well, and describe improvements that should be made where appropriate.