Science Materials Collections

Spring 2023 Assessment Window

Download the Science Materials Collections List (pdf) 

Dynamic Learning Maps^® (DLM^®) testlets sometimes call for the use of specific materials. The Testlet Information Page (TIP) for each testlet identifies these materials. Sometimes materials are required and cannot be substituted, but substitutes are allowed in most cases. If a testlet requires materials, the TIP will state the specific materials mentioned in the testlet and describe their attributes so that test administrators can find appropriate substitutions. For more information about substituting materials, see the Test Administration Manual sections titled "Teacher-Administered Testlets", "Retrieve the Testlet Information Page", and "Gather Materials".

Since the DLM system uses adaptive delivery to assign a linkage level for each testlet, the system provides the TIP when each testlet is assigned. Therefore, the exact materials needed to assess each student are unknown prior to the opening of the spring assessment window.

The following list contains materials commonly needed in science testlets and gives test administrators more opportunity to prepare for the science alternate assessment prior to the opening of the assessment window. The tables in this document summarize lists of materials per grade band for general testlets and, where appropriate, for students who are blind or have visual impairments.

Materials may be substituted unless the TIP specifically states, “No substitutions allowed.”

Hints for using this list:

• Look at the whole list for each grade band and find materials that can meet multiple purposes. Note the types of materials mentioned more than once.
• Find materials that already exist in the classroom or are easily found in the school building.
• Pick materials that are familiar to the student.
• Remember that in most cases, materials can be substituted as long as they have the same attributes as those on the list. Examples of possible substitutions are found in the table below.
• Materials substitutions are listed for individual testlets on the corresponding TIP.
• The student’s safety should be the primary concern when choosing materials or substitutions.

The following information is contained in the accordions below:

• Lists by grade band of materials commonly used in science testlets
• Lists by grade band of materials that may be used to administer testlets to students who are blind or have visual impairments. Some science testlets are special forms designed for these students who are blind or have visual impairments, while others are general testlets adapted to be more accessible for students who are blind or have visual impairments.

Grade Band – Elementary (Grades 3–5)

Common Materials Used to Administer Testlets

• one blanket
• one book
• one building block
• one crayon
• one eraser
• one pencil
• one piece of crumpled paper
• one toy car
• picture response cards are included in the TIP for Initial-level testlets that require them
• two balls
• two coins
• two large books
• two stuffed animals

Common Materials Used to Administer Testlets for Students Who Are Blind or Have Visual Impairments

• ice
• melting ice
• one chocolate bar
• one ice pack
• one ice pop
• one melting chocolate bar
• one melting ice pack
• one melting ice pop
• one melting stick of butter
• one stick of butter

Grade Band – Middle (Grades 6–8)

Common Materials Used to Administer Testlets

• picture response cards are included in the TIP for Initial-level testlets that require them

Common Materials Used to Administer Testlets for Students Who Are Blind or Have Visual Impairments

• baking soda
• baking soda reacting with vinegar
• four effervescent tablets
• ice
• melting ice
• one chocolate bar
• one ice pack
• one ice pop
• one melting chocolate bar
• one melting ice pack
• one melting ice pop
• one melting stick of butter
• one stick of butter
• orange juice
• two effervescent tablets reacting with water
• vinegar
• water

Grade Band – High (Grades 9–12)

Common Materials Used to Administer Testlets

• one cup of cold juice
• one cup of cold milk
• one cup of cold water
• one cup of iced tea
• one cup of tea at room temperature
• one cup of warm coffee
• one cup of warm juice
• one cup of warm milk
• one cup of warm water
• one cup of water at room temperature
• picture response cards are included in the TIP for Initial-level testlets that require them
• ten plastic bags full of paper that is crumpled

Common Materials Used to Administer Testlets for Students Who Are Blind or Have Visual Impairments

• baking soda
• four effervescent tablets
• orange juice
• steel wool
• two cups of baking soda reacting with orange juice
• two cups of baking soda reacting with vinegar
• two effervescent tablets reacting with orange juice
• two effervescent tablets reacting with water
• vinegar
• water