Before introducing a science concept, which approach helps tailor instruction by understanding what students already know?

• A. What is the extent of the student's prior knowledge related to target science concept?
• B. What is your favorite book about science?
• C. Explain how you would conduct the experiment.
• D. List all the instruments you might use.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to gauge what students already know about the concept before you teach it. This pre-assessment helps you tailor instruction by revealing what ideas they bring, what misconceptions might be present, and where their understanding begins. With that information, you can plan lessons that connect new ideas to their current knowledge, address misunderstandings, and set an appropriate starting point so everyone can access the material.

The other options don’t provide that diagnostic insight. A favorite book doesn’t show students’ current understanding, explaining how to conduct an experiment focuses on procedural steps rather than what students know, and listing instruments is about planning a lab rather than assessing prior knowledge.