There is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting started with 3D science assessment. Assessment Orbits are designed to support different contexts, goals, and levels of readiness.
Sensemaking Practice Activities is an orbit built for teachers who want to build student confidence and familiarity with 3D thinking before a formal assessment.
What are Sensemaking Practice Activities?
Sensemaking Practice Activities are structured, low-stakes classroom activities that build student resilience with 3D thinking before a formal assessment. Students explore phenomena, practice Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), and engage with 2D and 3D questions in a collaborative, low-pressure context.
These are not graded assessments — they're practice routines that make the formal PE proficiency experience more familiar for students and teachers alike.
Who This Works Best For
Teachers who want to introduce InnerOrbit and phenomena-based questions in a low-stakes, exploratory context
Teachers who want informal insight into student SEP proficiency and sensemaking without a formal grade
Classrooms looking for an engaging warm-up to build sensemaking routines at the start of a unit or year
Four Activities — Choose by Goal and Time
There are four activity options to choose from, each designed to support different goals and time constraints.
Activity | Description | Best For | Estimated Time |
Question of the Day | Students answer one question daily, building from 1D to 3D sensemaking over time | Establishing a sensemaking routine; reviewing PEs before a formal assessment | 5 min |
SEP Practice Problems | Students practice SEPs through phenomena — without relying on grade-level DCI vocabulary | Gauging SEP proficiency; previewing a focus SEP before a lab or project | 15 min |
Science Talks | Facilitated whole-class discussion of a novel phenomenon using 2D and 3D questions | Familiarizing students with 2D/3D questions before an assessment; surfacing exemplar sensemaking from peers | 20 min |
Transfer Stations | Groups rotate through novel phenomena, collaborating on 3D sensemaking questions across multiple PEs or real-world contexts | Building transfer of DCI, SEP, and CCC knowledge across multiple unfamiliar phenomena | 60 min |
💡 Not sure where to start? Question of the Day and Science Talks are the lowest lift — ideal first activities for teachers new to InnerOrbit.
Key Considerations
Thoughtful planning can make implementation more manageable from the start. Review these key considerations before launching this assessment orbit.
Are teachers comfortable facilitating sensemaking discussions?
Are teachers comfortable facilitating sensemaking discussions?
Leading a Science Talk can take practice, especially when the goal is to support discussion without over-directing it. If this is a newer routine, consider starting with modeling or easing in with a lower-lift activity like Question of the Day.
How much class time is realistically available?
How much class time is realistically available?
Each activity works best when it is matched to the time available. Transfer Stations are best suited for a full class period, while a Science Talk or SEP Practice Problem may be a stronger fit when time is more limited. Starting with the activity that fits your schedule can help implementation feel more manageable and effective.
Is this a one-time activity or a recurring routine?
Is this a one-time activity or a recurring routine?
Regular opportunities for sensemaking can help build stronger student readiness over time. Consider how these activities can fit into the instructional routine in ways that feel manageable and sustainable.
Watch the Overview
This short video breaks down Sensemaking Practice Activities, including what they are, how they support instruction, and how to choose the activity that best fits your goals and available time.
💡 Interested in launching Sensemaking Practice Activities? Explore our Sensemaking Practice Activities Guide for step-by-step guidance and helpful tips.
Need more help? For additional assistance, click on "Send us a message" in the site chat or email us support@innerorbit.com