InnerOrbit provides rigorously designed, NGSS-aligned 3D assessment items—but we know that sometimes, modifications are necessary to meet your students’ needs. This guide walks you through when and how to make those adjustments effectively.
What This Help Article Covers:
✅ Modification Checklist
InnerOrbit takes great care to ensure our assessments are rooted in the NGSS, have appropriate rigor, and are equitable in language, content, and jargon.
Before modifying a question, reflect on the following 3 questions:
1. What misalignment do I see in the question?
Consider if the content you want to assess is truly aligned to the NGSS.
💬 Tip: Have questions about content alignment? Message us in the site chat or email feedback@innerorbit.com.
2. What exactly am I trying to change?
Before editing, hover over the question to view the NGSS standard tags on the right.
Ask yourself:
Will my change remove a dimension or essential NGSS element?
Is this change reducing the rigor or alignment?
💡 Tip: If a 3D question feels too complex, consider choosing a 2D question that targets the same NGSS dimensions instead of modifying a 3D question.
📖 Want to learn more about InnerOrbit Questions? Read: Which Questions Should I Select for My Assessment?
3. Will an InnerOrbit question from a prior grade band target what I want to assess?
Sometimes a question from an earlier grade band better matches your current instructional goals—especially if you're addressing misconceptions or foundational knowledge.
How to search:
Use the search bar in InnerOrbit to type the DCI code (e.g., PS2.A) or look at the PE to find the articulation across grade level bands
Browse related questions from different grade bands
📌 Example: Want to assess HS-PS2-1? Try exploring middle school questions questions tagged with PS2.A: Forces and Motion to target prerequisite understanding.
🛠️ How to Modify Questions
If you decide to modify a question, follow these steps:
Click "Modify Question"
Located in the top-right corner of the question box on your assessment.
Edit the Question Text
Click into the question text box to add or delete text.
Edit or Remove Answer Choices
To edit: Click into the answer text box
To remove an answer choice: Highlight the answer and press Backspace/Delete
To add a new answer: Press ↵ Enter or click “Add Answer”
⚠️ Important Note: When you modify a question, the NGSS tag will be removed, but the question data will still populate in both your Assignment and Dimensions Reports. Keep in mind that modifying a question may impact its alignment to the standard or dimension, which can result in less accurate data—especially if the change removes key elements of the original 1D, 2D, or 3D alignment.
💡 Modification Ideas & Tips
Below are examples of common modifications made by educators:
🎯 Goal | ✅ Modification Tip |
Simplify language | Replace specific words with student-friendly terms |
Add clarity | Add synonyms in parentheses (e.g., "evaluate (judge)") |
Reinforce classroom context | Add a hint from class (e.g., Hint: Think back to our elephant toothpaste lab!) |
Guide student thinking | Add sentence stems (e.g., A piece of evidence that supports the claim is...) |
Support modeling tasks | Add a checklist for what to include in a drawing or model (e.g., Include arrows showing energy flow) |
Scaffold rigor | Reduce the number of answer choices or reword complex ones |
Add context | Start the question with a framing sentence (e.g., Consider the role of environmental pressures...) |
📖 Want to create your own custom question? Read: How can I create my own questions with InnerOrbit's phenomena?
📧 If you notice a misalignment or issue in one of our questions, we want to hear from you! Email us at feedback@innerorbit.com so we can address it together.
Need more help?
For additional assistance, click on "Send us a message" in the site chat or email us support@innerorbit.com.