ACTIVITY SHEET
Course: Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades
Topic: Peer Critiquing of Instructional Plans, Materials, and Assessment
Tools
Focus: Elementary Physics • Earth Science • Space Science
Learner Level: College – Teacher Education
I. Learning Outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will be able to:
1. Evaluate instructional plans using criteria such as alignment, accuracy,
strategy selection, and learner engagement.
2. Critique instructional materials (e.g., visuals, worksheets, manipulatives,
digital media) based on scientific accuracy, clarity, and appropriateness.
3. Analyze assessment tools for validity, reliability, fairness, cognitive level, and
alignment to competencies.
4. Provide constructive peer feedback grounded in pedagogical and scientific
principles.
II. ACTIVITY 1 — Peer Critique of Instructional Plans
Instructions:
1. Exchange your lesson plan (Elementary Physics/Earth/Space Science) with a
partner.
2. Use the Instructional Plan Evaluation Guide to critique:
o Learning objectives
o Content accuracy
o Strategies & activities
o Materials and resources
o Alignment with science competencies
o Misconceptions addressed
3. Write your critique in paragraph form (1–2 pages).
III. ACTIVITY 2 — Peer Review of Instructional Materials
Instructions:
1. Review your peer’s visuals, worksheets, manipulatives, or digital aids.
2. Evaluate the materials using the following criteria:
o Scientific accuracy
o Age appropriateness
o Clarity and readability
o Inquiry orientation
o Safety (for experiments)
3. Annotate directly on the material OR write a short evaluation with suggestions.
IV. ACTIVITY 3 — Assessment Tools Critique
Instructions:
1. Evaluate your peer’s assessment tools (quizzes, performance rubrics,
worksheets, lab tasks).
2. Use the following criteria:
o Alignment to learning objectives
o Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy levels
o Validity & reliability
o Fairness & bias
o Clarity of instructions
3. Provide specific, evidence-based suggestions for improvement.
V. ACTIVITY 4 — Reflection: “What I Learned from Reviewing Others’ Work”
Write a 1-page reflective essay answering:
What strengths did you see in your peer’s work?
What common issues appeared across plans/materials/tools?
How will peer critique influence your teaching practice?
VI. Submission Requirements
✔ Compile Activities 1–4
✔ Submit as one PDF or inside one folder
✔ Include complete student details
RUBRICS PER ACTIVITY
RUBRIC 1 — Peer Critique of Instructional Plans
Total: 25 points
Criteria Outstanding (5) Proficient Developing Needs
(4) (3) Improvemen
t (1–2)
Content Shows deep Good Limited Misconception
Understandi understanding of understandin understandi s appear
ng physics/earth/space g ng
concepts
Evaluation Clearly identifies Mostly Some Weak or
of accurate accurate analysis incorrect
Alignment alignment/misalignme analysis gaps analysis
nt
Depth of Insightful, specific, Clear General Vague or no
Critique evidence-based feedback; comments useful critique
mostly
specific
Constructiv Highly actionable, Useful Somewhat Minimal or
e thoughtful suggestions vague unhelpful
Suggestions suggestions suggestions suggestions
Organizatio Well-organized; easy Mostly clear Some Hard to follow
n & Clarity to follow unclear
parts
RUBRIC 2 — Review of Instructional Materials
Total: 20 points
Criteria Outstanding Proficient Developing Needs
(5) (4) (3) Improvement
(1–2)
Scientific Entirely accurate; Mostly Some Many
Accuracy identifies errors accurate inaccuracies inaccuracies
Clarity & Very clear, age- Mostly Some clarity Hard to
Readability appropriate clear issues understand
Appropriateness Highly suitable Mostly Some Not appropriate
for Learners for elementary suitable mismatches
level
Quality of Detailed, Clear General Minimal/no
Feedback insightful, suggestions suggestions suggestions
actionable
RUBRIC 3 — Assessment Tool Critique
Total: 25 points
Criteria Outstanding (5) Proficient Developing Needs
(4) (3) Improvement
(1–2)
Alignment to Perfect alignment Mostly Some Weak/inaccurate
Objectives identified accurate inaccuracies analysis
analysis
Cognitive Correct Mostly Some errors Incorrect/no
Level identification of correct analysis
Evaluation Bloom’s levels
Validity & Insightful analysis Good Limited No clear
Fairness of validity/bias analysis analysis understanding
Constructive Specific, strong Useful Generic No meaningful
Feedback improvement suggestions suggestions suggestions
suggestions
Clarity of Very clear, well- Mostly clear Some clarity Confusing or
Critique written issues incomplete
RUBRIC 4 — Reflection Essay
Total: 15 points
Criteria Outstanding (5) Proficient Developing Needs
(4) (3) Improvement
(1–2)
Depth of Highly insightful Clear and Some insight Weak/shallow
Reflection and personal meaningful
Application Strong connections Good Limited None
to Teaching to future practice connections connections
Coherence & Organized, fluent Mostly clear Some errors Poor structure
Clarity writing