Some of you have had some questions about my favorite online resource, so hopefully this helps...
1. Pre-Assessments - usually completed in class, at the very beginning of a new unit. The score shown on STEMscopes is a percentage correct, however, I count this assignment as complete/incomplete. If a student completes this on time, they will receive a 100. This counts as a "Warm-up" (homework category) grade.
2. Web Surfing - usually completed in class, toward the beginning of a unit. This is often used as research/background knowledge before we do hands-on. This mirrors the scientific method research stage expected for experiments. There is a hard copy paper turned in, graded, and sent home. This counts as a "Class work" (daily category) grade.
3. Progress Monitoring - usually completed in class, after some hands-on activities have been completed. This is not always conducted through STEMscopes; sometimes I use Plickers or Quizlet or a paper copy. This isn't always done for each unit; it depends on the length or complexity of the concept. This counts as a "Class work" (daily) grade.
4. Vocabulary - in "Picture Vocabulary" and "Vocabulary Game" forms. This is usually posted the same day the pre-assessment is given. This is not counted as a grade; this is for student support. I ask students not to click "turn in" so that they can return to this at any time during the unit.
5. STEMscopedia - a digital copy of the textbook for reference only.
6. Interactive Investigation - usually completed at home, at the end of a unit. This is not scored; it is to help review information in preparation for a unit quiz.
Thanks to all of you for your feedback. Please let me know if there is something else you think might be helpful for me to post, and please email me with questions or comments.
