The digital badges for the study are aligned, as appropriate, with national standards such as the Next Generation Science and NETS- S standards, Common Core Mathematics Common and/ or ELA and the P21 standards.
The digital badges are organized into four levels of increasingly more difficult learning objectives as well as increasingly more complex tasks or performance objectives. A fifth, challenge, level has also been added.
The first (Data Whiz) and second (Data Hacker) badge sets are based upon the practice of Interpreting and Analyzing Data; they could be used for traditional math or science achievement, but also for English/ Language arts, the humanities, social studies etc — anywhere statistics can make a difference to support a statement.
The third(InfoMaker) badge set is based upon the practice of Obtaining, Evaluating and Communicating Information, and can be used in a wide variety of ways where design thinking and problem solving are key objectives.
These badges are awarded to youth participants who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the learning objectives, as evidenced by learning products. The badges are designed to be used in a variety of formal and informal learning contexts including classrooms, after school settings, museums, libraries and online learning.
The data whiz series of badges scaffolds, assesses, recognizes and communicates knowledge and skills in understanding data and statistical concepts, for youth in grades 6 through 8.
The data hacker series of badges scaffolds, assesses, recognizes and communicates knowledge and skills in understanding data and statistical concepts, for youth in grades 8 through 10.
The focus of the InfoMaker badge series, designed for grades 6-10, is “learner as problem solver,” During the process of problem solving, the learner consumes and creates information which is obtained, evaluated and communicated. The badge series consists of 4 levels with an additional challenge level (a second iteration of the design process).
See the required skills for the InfoMaker badges in this abbreviated version of the badge series: http://goo.gl/tVE5uj
Appendix F: Science and Engineering Practices in the NGSS: http://www.nextgenscience.org/sites/ngss/files/Appendix%20F%20%20Science%20and%20Engineering%20Practices%20in%20the%20NGSS%20.pdf