9255836 Eubanks Typically students are assessed in chemistry on their ability to provide answers to short questions. These tests measure neither the materials instructors feel students should learn nor the level of student understanding of concepts or student mastery of a particular concept. Only in the laboratory have assessments been made on the basis of integrated activities, but laboratories come under attack for other reasons. This project develops, validates and tests eight computer-based scenarios, based on Chem Com, in which parameters can be carried to provide different outcomes. The scenarios assess student knowledge of chemistry content, level of student understanding, and ability to make science-based decisions on societal issues. Resources are available to students to address the chemical issues raised in the scenario. Help can be given electronically. The student outcome can be electronically scored in relation to the reasoning described and the help given. The assessments can be used to inform instruction and also to provide objective, bias-free measures useful in high stakes testing. The computer-based objective assessment tasks (Com-BOATS) are designed by project personnel with experience in developing examinations at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Examinations Institute using Authorware Pro shells. The tasks are pilot and field tested nationally in classrooms. The results are interpreted by third party evaluators. Dissemination is through the ACS. ***
