HS-PS1-8
Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
Clarification statement: Emphasis is on simple qualitative models, such as pictures or diagrams, and on the scale of energy released in nuclear processes relative to other kinds of transformations.
Assessment boundary: Assessment does not include quantitative calculation of energy released. Assessment is limited to alpha, beta, positron, and gamma radioactive decays.
Note: This is a performance expectation for both HS Physics and HS Chemistry. For physics, there is a focus on "scale of energy released". For chemistry, there is a focus on "qualitative focus, understanding the conservation of mass and charge" (as per the NYSED high school course maps).
Resources
Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of HS-PS1-8.
Assessment
What assessment of HS-PS1-8 might look like on a NY state exam.
NGSS Dimensions
Performance expectation HS-PS1-8 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
Developing and using models: Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the relationships between systems or between components of a system.
Nuclear processes: Nuclear processes, including fusion, fission, and radioactive decays of unstable nuclei, involve release or absorption of energy. The total number of neutrons plus protons does not change in any nuclear process.
Structure and properties of matter: The periodic table orders elements horizontally by the number of protons in the atom’s nucleus and places those with similar chemical properties in columns. The repeating patterns of this table reflect patterns of outer electron states.
Energy and matter: In nuclear processes, atoms are not conserved, but the total number of protons plus neutrons is conserved.
Connections to Other Standards
HS-PS1-8 connections to ELA, math, and other science standards as outlined by the NYS Education Department:
Science
HS.PS3.A: Definitions of energy
HS.PS3.B: Conservation of energy and energy transfer
HS.PS3.C: Relationship between energy and forces
HS.PS3.D: Energy
HS.ESS1.A: The Universe and Its Stars
HS.ESS1.C: The history of planet earth
Math
MP.4: Model with Mathematics
AI-N.Q.1: Select quantities and use units as a way to: i) interpret and guide the solution of multi-step problems; ii) choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; and iii) choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays.
AI-N.Q.3: Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement and context when reporting quantities.