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Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System
2013, Grade 8 Science and Technology/Engineering
 Question 9: Open-Response |
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Reporting Category: Earth and Space Science
Standard: 9 - Describe lunar and solar eclipses, the observed moon phases, and tides. Relate them to the relative positions of the earth, moon, and sun. |
Astronomers can predict when eclipses will occur using computer models that show the motions of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth. They use the phases of the Moon to help make these predictions.- Name two types of eclipses that involve the Sun, the Moon, and Earth.
- Identify the phase of the Moon during each type of eclipse you named in part (a).
- Choose one of the types of eclipses that you named in part (a) and describe (or draw a diagram that shows) the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth that cause the type of eclipse you chose. Be sure to identify the type of eclipse you chose.
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Scoring Guide and Sample Student Work
Select a score point in the table below to view the sample student response.
| Score | Description |
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| 4 |
The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of lunar and solar eclipses and the observed moon phases and how they are related to the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth. The response correctly names two types of eclipses, identifies the phase of the Moon in each type of eclipse, and clearly describes, or provides a diagram that shows, the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth in one type of eclipse. |
| 4 |
| 3 |
The response demonstrates a general understanding of lunar and solar eclipses and the observed moon phases and how they are related to the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth. |
| 2 |
The response demonstrates a limited understanding of lunar and solar eclipses and the observed moon phases and how they are related to the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth. |
| 1 |
The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of lunar and solar eclipses and the observed moon phases and how they are related to the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth. |
| 0 |
Response is incorrect or contains some correct work that is irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured. |
Note: There are 2 sample student responses for Score Point 4.
Grade 8 Science and Technology/Engineering
- Question 9: Earth and Space Science
- Question 10: Technology/Engineering
Return to the MCAS 2013 Student Work Directory
Last Updated: August 28, 2018
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