InnerOrbit offers NGSS-aligned question types that scaffold in rigor. With 5–6 novel phenomena per performance expectation (PE), you can build custom assessments aligned to your instructional goals.
❓ Question Types
InnerOrbit offers five question types, each aligned to one, two, or all three NGSS dimensions:
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) – Content knowledge mastery
Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs) – Application of scientific skills
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) – Scientific thinking patterns
Question Type & InnerOrbit Tag | Aligned NGSS Dimensions | Purpose |
Prior Knowledge (1D)
| DCIs (previous grade band) | Assesses foundational knowledge from prior learning. |
Core Content (1D)
| DCIs (current grade band) | Assesses student understanding of current grade-level core content. |
Content & Concepts (2D)
| DCIs + CCCs | Measures how well students connect content with crosscutting concepts. |
Content & Practices (2D)
| DCIs + SEPs | Assesses how students apply scientific practices alongside core content. |
Sensemaking (3D)
| DCIs + CCCs + SEPs |
|
📖 Want to learn more about NGSS dimensions? Read: Three Dimensional Learning
🎥 Watch this video to learn more about these question types: 5 Question Types to Scaffold Sensemaking
🔍 How to Find & Filter Question Types
The easiest way to find specific question types is by searching for a standard and filtering by question type(s) on InnerOrbit’s "Build" tab.
Use the color-coded question tags to quickly identify each question type:
🎨 Color-Coded Tags for Quick Identification:
🟨 "Prior Knowledge 1D" (Yellow Tag)
🟧 "Core Content 1D" (Orange Tag)
🟩 "Content and Concepts 2D" (Green Tag)
🟦 "Content and Practices 2D" (Blue Tag)
🟪 "Sensemaking 3D" (Purple Tag)
Steps to filter questions by type:
Go to the "Build" tab.
Search for a performance expectation (PE).
Use the Filters – Select 1D, 2D, or 3D question types based on your assessment needs.
Choose Your Questions & Phenomena – Select the questions that align with your instructional goals.
Title and Save Your Assessment
Give your assessment a title and click "Save".
Access Your Assessment in the Library Tab
💭 Choosing the Right Questions for Your Assessment
Question type selection depends on where you are in the unit. We recommend scaffolding rigor over time:
Start with 1D (prior knowledge + core content)
Move to 2D (content + concepts/practices) as new learning develops
Add 3D sensemaking mid- and end-of-unit to show full NGSS proficiency
This progression helps students build toward sensemaking while reinforcing skills and understanding.
📖 Curious how assessment design affects student scores? Read: Using InnerOrbit Scores as Grades
Below are recommended assessment types and question formulas to ensure students develop progressive mastery of NGSS concepts.
Pre-Instruction Diagnostic Assessments– Identify students' prior knowledge before introducing new content.
Mid-Instruction Formative Assessments– Check student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
Post-Instruction Summative Assessments– Measure student mastery of NGSS standards at the end of instruction.
State Science Test Common Assessments– Prepare students for high-stakes testing by simulating state test rigor.
🏁 Diagnostic Assessment Recommendations
The first assessments of a unit should primarily consist of one-dimensional (1D) questions to evaluate students’ prior knowledge and foundational understanding of the DCIs.
A diagnostic assessment is an effective way to start a new unit, allowing teachers to collect data that informs lesson planning and tailor instruction based on student needs.
Pre-Instruction Diagnostic Assessments
Purpose: "What prior knowledge do students have?"
Question Types: Prior Knowledge (1D) & Core Content (1D)
Recommended question formula to assess 1 PE:
🟨 2 Prior Knowledge questions
🟧 2 Core Content questions
📖 Want to leverage InnerOrbit's premade diagnostic assessments? Read: How Can InnerOrbit’s Diagnostic Assessments Identify Prior Knowledge?
🔁 Formative Assessment Recommendations
Formative assessments are checkpoints during instruction that help you monitor progress, uncover misconceptions, and adjust teaching. Include a mix of 1D, 2D, and 3D questions to:
Build from core concepts toward sensemaking
See growth across NGSS dimensions
Catch misconceptions before summative assessment
Use formative assessments mid-unit to measure progress, not mastery.
Mid-Instruction Formative Assessments
Purpose: "At this moment, how are students doing?"
Question Types: Core Content (1D), Content & Concepts (2D), Content & Practices (2D), Sensemaking (3D)
Recommended question formula to assess 1 PE:
🟧 2 Core Content questions
🟩 1 Content and Concepts question
🟦 1 Content and Practices question
🟪 1 Sensemaking question
📖 Want to leverage InnerOrbit's premade formative assessments? Read: How Can InnerOrbit’s Pre-Made Formative Assessments Support Student Growth?
📈 Summative Assessment Recommendations
Summative assessments measure student proficiency of the NGSS by evaluating their ability to apply content knowledge, engage in science practices, and utilize crosscutting concepts. These assessments should include rigorous 2D and 3D questions that reflect the full depth of NGSS mastery.
Summative assessments should challenge students to:
Apply scientific knowledge to novel phenomena.
Incorporate all three NGSS dimensions (DCIs, SEPs, and CCCs).
Grapple with uncertainty by explaining the how and why behind a novel phenomenon.
Summative assessments are best used post-instruction when you are ready to assess mastery.
Post-Instruction Summative Assessments
Purpose: "Did students reach mastery?"
Question Types: Content & Concepts (2D), Content & Practices (2D), Sensemaking (3D)
Recommended question formula to assess 1 PE:
🟩 1 Content and Concepts question
🟦 1 Content and Practices question
🟪 2 Sensemaking questions
📖 Want to leverage InnerOrbit's premade formative assessments? Read: How Can InnerOrbit’s Pre-Made Summative Assessments Measure NGSS Proficiency?
📝 State Test Prep Assessment Recommendations
A 2025 study comparing InnerOrbit summative assessment scores with NGSS State Test proficiency levels found an average alignment of 97% (with no alignment below 90%).
📖 To learn more about this study, read: InnerOrbit Alignment with State Test Results
💡 What does this mean for you?
You can use InnerOrbit’s proficiency ranges to help track student performance on your state science test.
This study suggests that schools and districts can confidently leverage InnerOrbit assessments and our high-quality 3D student data to monitor NGSS mastery and gauge performance on state tests.
How to Build a State Test Prep Assessment
📌 To track student mastery toward the state test, we recommend creating a common benchmark assessment that:
Assesses essential standards
Uses only 2D & 3D questions, as these best match the rigor of state science test
Need more help?
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