Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2018, Grade 5 Science and Technology/Engineering

Question 41: Open-Response

Reporting Category: Physical Science
Standard: 2 - Compare and contrast solids, liquids, and gases based on the basic properties of each of these states of matter.
Standard: Sci.5.PS.1.01 - Use a particle model of matter to explain common phenomena involving gases, and phase changes between gas and liquid and between liquid and solid. Clarification Statement: Examples of common phenomena the model should be able to describe include adding air to expand a balloon, compressing air in a syringe, and evaporating water from a salt water solution. State Assessment Boundary: Atomic-scale mechanisms of evaporation and condensation or defining unseen particles are not expected in state assessment.

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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
4	Response demonstrates a thorough understanding of the differences between solids, liquids, and gases based on the basic properties of each of these states of matter. The response correctly identifies the three states of matter and an example of each state of matter present when the candle is burning. The response clearly describes one basic property of each of the three states of matter.
4
3	Response demonstrates a general understanding of the differences between solids, liquids, and gases based on the basic properties of each of these states of matter.
2	Response demonstrates a limited understanding of the differences between solids, liquids, and gases based on the basic properties of each of these states of matter.
1	Response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the differences between solids, liquids, and gases based on the basic properties of each of these states of matter.
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 5 Science and Technology/Engineering

Question 41: Physical Science

Question 42: Earth and Space Science

Return to the MCAS 2018 Student Work Directory

Last Updated: March 11, 2024