Science Materials Collections

Spring 2025 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 and 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 and find materials that can meet multiple purposes. Note the types of materials mentioned more than once.
• Material substitutions are listed for individual testlets on the TIP.
• 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 if they have the same attributes as those on the list. Examples of possible substitutions are found in Table 1.
• Material 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 coin
one crayon
one eraser
one large book
one pencil
one piece of crumpled paper
one stuffed animal
one toy car
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
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
effervescent tablet reacting with water
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
vinegar
water

Grade Band – High School (Grades 9–12)

Common Materials Used to Administer Testlets
five plastic bags full of paper that is crumpled 
one cup of cold juice
one cup of cold milk
one cup of cold water
one cup of vinegar in a glass
one cup of warm juice
one cup of warm milk
one cup of warm water
one cup of water in a glass
spoonful of baking soda
spoonful of flour
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
four effervescent tablets
orange juice
spoonful of flour
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