Science and Technology Report Card Comments, Grades 7-8 (Ontario)

Science and Technology combines STEM Skills and Connections, including research, experimentation, the engineering design process and coding, with four content strands: Life Systems, Matter and Energy, Structures and Mechanisms, and Earth and Space Systems.

Below are 13 sample sentences for Grades 7-8: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Level 4 (A, 80-100%) / Level 3 (B, 70-79%) / Level 2 (C, 60-69%) / Level 1 (D, 50-59%)), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 411 science and technology sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.

Jump to: Level 4 (A, 80-100%) · Level 3 (B, 70-79%) · Level 2 (C, 60-69%) · Level 1 (D, 50-59%) · Writing tips

Student name Pronouns

Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.

Level 4 (A, 80-100%) A

Strengths

[Name] analyses in depth how emerging technologies, such as sensors and automation, are changing daily life, scientific research and the skilled trades.
[Name] makes connections between science and other subjects, such as using math to analyse results or reading to research a question, which deepens [his/her/their] understanding.

Next steps:

Presenting findings on a scientific poster with a clear method, data and conclusion, [Name] can prepare for a science fair or showcase.

Level 3 (B, 70-79%) B

Strengths

In discussions about technology, [Name] gives relevant examples of how new tools such as sensors, robots and 3D printers are changing work in science and the skilled trades.
[Name] gives clear examples of how people from many communities and backgrounds, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit, have contributed to science and technology.

Next steps:

Rereading notes and turning each heading into a question to answer will help [Name] review the key ideas of our unit.

Level 2 (C, 60-69%) C

Strengths

[Name] explains science ideas to classmates with some clarity and uses unit vocabulary when a word list or anchor chart is available.
In science discussions, [Name] is learning to explain one idea about land or water from a source created by a First Nations, Métis or Inuit community.

Next steps:

Using guided notes, [Name] can cover one section at a time and explain its key idea to a partner before checking the text.

Level 1 (D, 50-59%) D

Strengths

When sharing science findings, [Name] gives a limited explanation of [his/her/their] results and can point out one result on a graph prepared with the teacher.
With guidance and a source shared in science, [Name] can describe one idea about land or water from a First Nations, Métis or Inuit community.

Next steps:

Handling samples during a teacher-led demonstration, [Name] can carry out one safe test, such as pouring or mixing, and circle the matching result on a picture sheet.

Support at home

Talking about how your family saves water, sorts recycling or reduces waste helps your child connect science learning to caring for the environment.

How to write science and technology comments for Grades 7-8

Expect controlled experiments: identifying the variable being changed and the one being measured, repeating trials and judging how reliable the results are. Name the part the student handles independently and the part to practise.
Comment on systems thinking: how the parts of an ecosystem, a cell or a mechanical system work together, and what happens when one part changes. Grade 7 and Grade 8 units differ, so name the system studied.
Include connections to society and the environment: evaluating a design's impact, explaining human effects on an ecosystem, or describing how a technology is used in a skilled trade. These show application beyond recall.

Watch out: Avoid describing only the unit, such as 'enjoyed our rocks unit'. Name what the student explained, tested or built, so the comment shows science learning and still reads well months later.

Level 4 (A, 80-100%) language is thorough, independent and applied in new situations; Level 3 (B, 70-79%) is considerable, clear and usually accurate; Level 2 (C, 60-69%) shows some effectiveness, often with a model or support; Level 1 (D, 50-59%) names what the student does with direct support and what is emerging. The grade is already printed, so describe the learning rather than restating the mark.

What Science and Technology covers

Report card strands and skills for science and technology:

STEM Skills and Connections: scientific research and experimentation, the engineering design process, safe practice, communicating findings
Coding and emerging technologies, and connections between science, technology, society and the environment
Understanding of key ideas in Life Systems, Matter and Energy, Structures and Mechanisms, and Earth and Space Systems
Use of science and technology vocabulary, models, diagrams and data to explain ideas

More Ontario subjects comments

How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.