Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2018, Grade 8 Science and Technology/Engineering

Question 21: Open-Response

Reporting Category: Physical Science
Standard: 13 - Differentiate between potential and kinetic energy. Identify situations where kinetic energy is transformed into potential energy and vice versa.
Standard: Sci.7.PS.3.07 - Use informational text to describe the relationship between kinetic and potential energy and illustrate conversions from one form to another. Clarification Statement: Types of kinetic energy include motion, sound, thermal, and light; types of potential energy include gravitational, elastic, and chemical.

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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	The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy. The response clearly explains why the ball has kinetic energy and potential energy at positions 2 and 4. The response clearly describes the energy transformation that occurs from position 1 to position 2 and from position 4 to position 5. The response correctly determines the height at which the ball has approximately equal amounts of kinetic and potential energy.
4
3	The response demonstrates a general understanding of the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy.
2	The response demonstrates a limited understanding of the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy.
1	The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy.
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 4.

Grade 8 Science and Technology/Engineering

Question 21: Physical Science

Question 42: Life Science

Return to the MCAS 2018 Student Work Directory

Last Updated: July 17, 2023