NBPTS AYA Science case studies
NBPTS AYA Science · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Adolescence and Young Adulthood Science certificate - commonly called AYA Science or NBCT AYA/Science - is an advanced, voluntary credential for teachers of science to students roughly ages 11–18. Unlike a licensure test, it is a performance-based certification: candidates submit portfolio entries built from their own classroom practice (video or documented teaching episodes, analysis of student work, and evidence of accomplishments outside the classroom) plus written assessment exercises completed at a testing center. The NBPTS AYA Science case studies are 5 cases and about 3,984 words.
1The Radish Mass Mystery: Matter, Energy, and a Confident Wrong Answer
In a ninth-grade integrated science class of 27, students grow radish seedlings in 500 g of dry potting soil under a grow light. After four weeks, the seedlings' combined dry mass has increased by 3.4 g, while the soil's dry mass has decreased by only 0.2 g.
824 words, about 4 min2The Outlier in the Catalase Lab
In a tenth-grade biology class, teams investigate catalase activity in potato tissue by measuring O2 bubbles produced per minute at pH 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Each team runs three 30-second trials.
779 words, about 4 min3Same Test, Three Graders, One Rubric
In a tenth-grade chemistry department, three teachers give the same unit test on bonding and intermolecular forces to 118 students. The test includes 12 multiple-choice items and one modeling task: 'Draw a model that clearly explains why ice floats in liquid water.' The rubric has four criteria, including 'model clearly explains' and 'uses appropriate scientific vocabulary.' After grading, the teachers' means differ: 71, 82, and 88.
763 words, about 4 min4Who Gets to Do the Flame Test?
In an eleventh-grade chemistry class of 31, you plan a flame-test inquiry to identify metal ions. The lab has eight benches fixed at 36 inches; only one is height-adjustable, and the sink is at the front.
798 words, about 4 min5The Solar Farm Deliberation: Balance Without False Balance
In a twelfth-grade environmental science class, students are studying a proposal to build a 120-hectare solar array on town-owned farmland. The town meeting is in three weeks.
820 words, about 4 min