A) accept both as scientifically correct B) accept the original findings because they were first C) decide based on which researcher has the best credentials D) collaborate and gather additional data to find a factual conclusion Correct Answer: D Reporting Category Nature of Science Standard Practice of Science Benchmark Number SC.912.N.1.4 Benchmark Identify sources of information and assess their reliability according to the strict standards of scientific investigation. Also Assesses LAFS.910.RST.1.1 / LAFS.1112.RST.1.1: Read, interpret, and examine the credibility and validity of scientific claims in different sources of information, such as scientific articles, advertisements, or media stories. Strict standards of science include controlled variables, sufficient sample size, replication of results, empirical and measurable evidence, and the concept of falsification. Item Types Multiple Choice Cognitive Complexity Type Moderate Benchmark Clarification The student will distinguish between authentic and reliable sources and opinion or conjecture. The student will identify sound scientific process within a given experiment. Content Limits Students will not be required to name specific sources of information (current journals, organizations, etc.).
Number Benchmark Relate temperature to the average molecular kinetic energy. Also Assesses None Specified Item Types Multiple Choice Cognitive Complexity Type Moderate Benchmark Clarification The student will identify that temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles. The student will identify that the temperature of a substance increases or decreases with an increase or decrease in the average kinetic energy of the particles of the substance. The student will recognize that the internal energy of an object includes the energy of random motion of the object’s atoms and molecules, often referred to as thermal energy. Content Limits The student should not compare and contrast states of matter and the motion of their particles. The student should not address differences in the Kelvin, Celsius, and Fahrenheit scales. Stimulus Attributes Illustrations, descriptions. Response Attributes None Specified Content Focus Temperature, heat, matter, atoms, molecules, energy, Fahrenheit, Celsius, Kelvin, particles, kinetic energy, thermal energy. Sample Item The temperatures of two identical liquids are taken. Liquid A has a temperature of 25.5 degrees C and Liquid B has a temperature of 45.1 degrees C. What best describes the difference between the two liquids?
atom. Which of the four fundamental forces is greatest between them. The repulsion of their charges. The weak nuclear force between them. The gravitational attraction between them. The strong nuclear force holding them together in the nucleus. Correct Answer: D Reporting Category Chemistry Standard Energy Benchmark Number SC.912.P.10.12 Benchmark Differentiate between chemical and nuclear reactions. Also Assesses Not Applicable Item Types Multiple Choice Cognitive Complexity Type Moderate Benchmark Clarification The student will be able to describe how chemical reactions involve the rearranging of atoms to form new substances, while nuclear reactions involve the change of atomic nuclei into entirely new atoms. The student will be able to identify real-world examples where chemical and nuclear reactions occur every day. Content Limits The item should not require the students to balance or complete a reaction. Stimulus Attributes Reaction equations Response None Specified
Sample Item Which circuit has the most current flowing through it? A) 5 V battery with a 9 Watt light B) 9 V battery with a 16 Watt light bulb C) 12 V battery with a 15 Watt light bulb D) 12 V battery with a 18 Watt light bulb Correct Answer: D Reporting Category Physics Standard Energy Benchmark Number SC.912.P.10.18 Benchmark Explore the theory of electromagnetism by comparing and contrasting the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of wavelength, frequency, and energy, and relate them to phenomena and applications. Also Assesses Not Applicable Item Types Multiple Choice, Extended Response Cognitive Complexity Type Moderate, High
Also Assesses Not Applicable Item Types Multiple Choice Cognitive Complexity Type Moderate, High Benchmark Clarification The student will be able to describe the process of phase changes in matter in terms of particle motion, energy, and attraction of the particles in the sample of matter. Content Limits The item should not involve plasma as a phase. Stimulus Attributes Diagram, table, text Response Attributes None Specified Content Focus Kinetic molecular theory, phase transition, molecules, matter, phase change, solid, liquid, gas, motion, particles, melting, boiling, vapor, temperature, heat, energy, kinetic energy Sample Item A sample of water is heated in a beaker until it begins to boil and turn to steam. Which of the following best describes the transition of liquid water to steam? The particles gain so much energy, the attraction between them cannot hold them together and they leave the surface of the liquid to travel into the air. The particles gain so little energy, the attraction between them cannot hold them together and they leave the surface of the liquid to travel into the air. The particles in the water gain energy to begin to move in a more organized way, causing them to leave the surface of the water and travel into the atmosphere. The particles’ motion becomes so random and chaotic there is not more room for them to vibrate and they are flung into the air
above the surface of the water. Correct Answer: A Reporting Category Chemistry Standard Energy Benchmark Number SC.912.P.10.11 (Physical Science Honors Only) Benchmark Explain and compare nuclear reactions (radioactive decay, fission, and fusion) and the energy changes associated with them and their associated safety issues. Also Assesses Not Applicable Item Types Multiple Choice Cognitive Complexity Moderate
Sample Item Which of the answer choices below best describes the components of the following compound (NH4)2 SO4? A) 1 Nitrogen, 4 Hydrogen, 2 Sulfur, 4 Oxygen B) 1 Nitrogen, 4 Hydrogen, 2 Sulfur, 8 Oxygen C) 2 Nitrogen, 8 Hydrogen, 1 Sulfur, 4 Oxygen D) 2 Nitrogen, 8 Hydrogen, 4 Sulfur, 4 Oxygen Correct Answer: C Reporting Category Chemistry Standard Matter Benchmark Number SC.912.P.8.8 Benchmark Characterize types of chemical reactions, for example: redox, acid-base, synthesis, and single and double replacement reactions. Also Assesses None Specified Item Types Multiple Choice Cognitive Complexity Type Moderate Benchmark Clarification The student will be able to recognize the following chemical reactions: reduction, oxidation, acid base, synthesis, single replacement and double replacement, given the complete reaction. The student will classify chemical reactions as synthesis (combination), decomposition, single displacement (replacement), double displacement, and combustion. Content Limits The student will not be required to balance the reaction. The student will not predict the products of a reaction. The student will not identify energy changes for a particular reaction.