Linda Morell's research focuses on student understanding of science and scientific reasoning. Her research interests are framed by the exploration of teaching and learning in middle school and high school science in formal and informal settings. Her focus is on creating assessment materials that map developmental trajectories for science content (e.g., the structure of matter, ecosystems, and weather) and for scientific argumentation. Linda directs the assessment component of two major projects: "Developing and Testing Multi-Component Computer-Based Assessment for the Next Generation Science Standards" funded by IES, and "San Francisco Health Investigators" funded by NIH; and provides technical expertise in research, evaluation, and assessment for writing projects and an observation tool (DRDP).