Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2019, Grade 8 Science and Technology/Engineering

Question 4: Constructed-Response

Reporting Category: Technology/Engineering
Standard: Sci.7.ETS.3.04 - Show how the components of a structural system work together to serve a structural function. Provide examples of physical structures and relate their design to their intended use. Clarification Statements: Examples of components of a structural system could include foundation, decking, wall, and roofing. Explanations of function should include identification of live vs. dead loads and forces of tension, torsion, compression, and shear. Examples of uses include carrying loads and forces across a span (such as a bridge), providing livable space (such as a house or office building), and providing specific environmental conditions (such as a greenhouse or cold storage). State Assessment Boundary: Calculations of magnitude or direction of loads or forces are not expected in state assessment.
Item Description: Analyze a model bridge to determine the loads on the system and describe an advantage and a disadvantage of making a design change.

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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 the components and loads on a bridge. The response correctly identifies what the coins represent and correctly identifies all the materials that are a part of the total load of the bridge. The response also clearly describes one advantage and one disadvantage of adding more materials.
3
2	The response demonstrates a partial understanding of different loads on a bridge.
1	The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of different loads on a bridge.
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