Example: Competency progression (science) — “Run a fair experiment and interpret results”

Level 1 — Foundations (unistructural)

• Objective: Identify variables (independent, dependent) in a simple demonstration.
• Activities: Teacher demo; students label parts on a worksheet; sort cards: variable vs. control.
• Evidence: Worksheet showing correct labels; short multiple-choice quiz.
• Scaffold: vocabulary anchors, physical models.

Level 2 — Building (multistructural)

• Objective: Design a simple experiment to test one variable with teacher support.
• Activities: Small group experiment following a checklist; guided data collection.
• Evidence: Lab notes with recorded measurements; teacher checklist shows steps followed.
• Scaffold: step-by-step lab sheet, exemplars.

Level 3 — Integrating (relational)

• Objective: Control confounding variables; analyze simple data and explain relationships.
• Activities: Groups design, run, and analyze an experiment; class discussion comparing approaches.
• Evidence: Short lab report with graphs and explanation linking evidence to conclusion.
• Scaffold: peer review, mini-lessons on graphing and variability.

Level 4 — Extending (extended abstract)

• Objective: Propose and test a follow-up experiment; generalize findings to a new context.
• Activities: Independent mini‑project; present to class and defend method and interpretation.
• Evidence: Portfolio (proposal, data, analysis, reflection) + presentation rubric.
• Scaffold: feedback cycles, teacher conferencing.

Build time for reflection and revision after levels 2 and 3 so students can move upward.

Please take the quiz to proceed: