Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2019, Grade 8 Science and Technology/Engineering

Question 5: Constructed-Response

Reporting Category: Earth and Space Science
Standard: Sci.8.ESS.2.01 - Use a model to illustrate that energy from Earth’s interior drives convection that cycles Earth’s crust, leading to melting, crystallization, weathering, and deformation of large rock formations, including generation of ocean sea floor at ridges, submergence of ocean sea floor at trenches, mountain building, and active volcanic chains. Clarification Statement: The emphasis is on large-scale cycling resulting from plate tectonics.
Item Description: Interpret a model of two oceanic plates colliding, identify a geological feature that is formed, and describe the process that causes plates to move.

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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
3	The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of energy from Earth's interior and how convection currents cycle Earth's crust. The response correctly identifies one geological feature that will form as plate X is pushed under plate W. The response clearly describes what happens to the solid material of plate X when it is pushed beneath plate W and clearly explains why this happens. The response also clearly describes the process that causes the plates to move toward each other and correctly identifies where this process is occurs.
3
2	The response demonstrates a partial understanding of energy from Earth's interior and how convection currents cycle Earth's crust.
1	The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of energy from Earth's interior and how convection currents cycle Earth's crust.
0	The 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 3.

Grade 8 Science and Technology/Engineering

Question 4: Technology/Engineering

Question 5: Earth and Space Science

Question 16: Life Science

Return to the MCAS 2019 Student Work Directory

Last Updated: May 5, 2020