Digital Badges

Below are 5 badges that could be implemented in a Grade 7 Science classroom. I designed these badges
specifically for Unit E: Planet Earth. However, 4/5 of the badges could be used for other units or grades
and most science skills carry over into each grade.

Badge 1: Collaboration.
The grade 7 Science program of studies outlines the following skill, “Communication and Teamwork
Students will: Work collaboratively on problems; and use appropriate language and formats to
communicate ideas, procedures and results. My idea here would be to have students respond to different
forum posts from other classmates, and working collaboratively in google drive apps (i.e. google slides or
docs) as I can see who contributes.

Badge 2: Research Rockstar.

The grade 7 Science program of studies outlines the following skill, “Initiating and Planning Students
will: Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and plan
investigations to address those questions.” I picked this as a badge because I think a research project of a
student’s choosing (a variety of topics from the unit would be listed) would allow students to demonstrate
their research skills in their own way. It could also be used for other units as well.
Badge 2: Scientific Inquiry.
The grade 7 Science program of studies outlines the following attitude outcome, “Students will be
encouraged to: Seek and apply evidence when evaluating alternative approaches to investigations,
problems and issues (e.g., critically evaluate inferences and conclusions, basing their arguments on facts
rather than opinions; identify evidence to support ideas; take the time to accurately gather evidence and
use instruments carefully).” This badge would be awarded when students demonstrate an understanding
of “the nature of science” and dig deeper at the end of a unit into a big question posed at the beginning of
the unit.

Badge 4: Radical Rock Identifier.

In Unit E: Planet Earth, the grade 7 science program of studies indicates students should be able to,
“Describe characteristics of the three main classes of rocks—igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic—
and describe evidence of their formation (e.g., describe evidence of igneous rock formation, based on the
study of rocks found in and around volcanoes; describe the role of fossil evidence in interpreting
sedimentary rock).” A variety of online platforms offer “Online Labs”, because I would not be in person
with the students, I would have them complete an online lab identifying the different types of rocks based
on characteristics, and if they achieved a certain score, they would receive this badge.
Badge 5: WHMIS.
WHMIS is an important aspect of science classes. Even though the students would not be physically in a
lab setting, it is important for them to know WHMIS. This badge would be given to students who
complete a variety of WHMIS questions. This also addresses the attitude outcome of safety that identifies,
“Students will be encouraged to: Show concern for safety in planning, carrying out and reviewing
activities (e.g., wear safety goggles when testing the cleavage or fracture of rocks; ensure the proper
disposal of materials).”