For years, tests have been designed to reflect the positivistic-quantitative paradigm and have been developed to ensure that children are learning the "basics." Today, a new method is emerging that utilizes assessment as an instructional tool rather than a measurement tool. Through the use of this new authentic assessment, students are allowed to demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of ways. Included in this document are summaries of various assessment strategies used to review students' understandings of science concepts in the elementary school. Excerpts from students' completed assignments are provided to aid in illustrating the use of the various assessment tools being used today. (ZWH)