Includes bibliographical and (p. 121-122) an index. 1. The essence of continuous assessment -- What is continuous assessment? -- Continuous assessment in the "big picture" of assessment -- Techniques and tools for continuous assessment -- Why use continuous assessment? -- Vignette : continuous assessment : one teacher's experience -- 2. The context for continuous assessment : student inquiry -- What is inquiry? -- Continuous assessment -- Vignette : strength of magnets -- 3. Techniques and tools for facilitating inquiry and collecting student data -- Techniques for continuous assessment -- Tools for continuous assessment -- 4. Analyzing and using continuous assessment data -- Analysis and use of continuous assessment data -- How do you analyze continuous assessment data? -- How do you use continuous assessment data? -- A vignette : exploring light -- 5. The journey : challenges, realities, and advice -- Challenge : how do I make time for science inquiry and continuous assessment? -- Challenge : how do I integrate continuous assessment with traditional testing? -- Challenge : how do I acquire more content knowledge? -- Challenge : how do I manage continuous assessment effectively? -- Challenge : how do I help my students engage deeply in inquiry? -- Challenge : how do I obtain the materials I need? -- Challenge : how do I gain parent involvement and support? -- 6. Continuous assessment and professional growth -- Continuous assessment as professional development -- An example of effective professional development -- Professional development recommendations -- Context for professional development.