Earth and Space Science questions by performance level
From NY Science Standards Wiki
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Which PLD a question best matches is a judgment call by the wiki's editors. NYSED does not publish official mappings of exam questions to performance levels.
HS-ESS1-1 · The Sun and Its Energy
Level 1Given a model, and/or information, identify the evidence, from those provided, that determines the lifespan of the Sun or illustrates the role of nuclear fusion in the Sun’s core to release energy or identify the correct pattern, from those provided, that shows variation in solar output.
June 2026 · Q7 Which piece of evidence in the Evolution of a Sun-like Star graph could be used to support the claim that nuclear…
Aug 2025 · Q2 Which claim best describes where energy is produced in the Sun and how the energy is released into space?
Aug 2025 · Q4 Which graph best illustrates the projected pattern of the number of sunspots from 2020-2040, based on evidence from the…
June 2025 · Q2 Based on the information in the model, which list of five of the Sun's layers are in the correct sequence to allow…
June 2025 · Q16 Identify the factor that determines the lifespan of the Sun and other stars.
June 2025 · Q18 Using information from the passage and the graph, place a check mark (✓) in three boxes to identify the statements that…
Level 2Given a model, and/or information, describe the evidence that determines the lifespan of the Sun or illustrates the role of nuclear fusion in the Sun’s core to release energy or ways that the Sun’s radiation varies.
June 2026 · Q44 Describe the two characteristics of the Kepler-16 stars compared to our Sun. Then, describe how these characteristics…
Aug 2025 · Q3 Use evidence from the two graphs and the model to describe how the Suns irradiance varies with sunspot activity.
Level 3Complete a model based on evidence to illustrate the lifespan of the Sun and/or the role of nuclear fusion in the Sun’s core to release energy that eventually reaches Earth (in the form of radiation).
Aug 2026 · Q48 The model below shows some information about part of a nuclear process that occurs in the Sun. Some components of the…
June 2026 · Q22 Complete the model below by placing the names of all three stars in order of their relative ages. Then, label their…
Aug 2025 · Q1 Complete the model of nuclear fusion by placing the letter of the component into the correct position in the equation.…
June 2025 · Q1 Our Sun is classified as a spectral class G star with a surface temperature between 5000 to 6000 K and an absolute…
Level 4Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the lifespan of the Sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the Sun’s core to release energy that eventually reaches Earth in the form of radiation.
No released question yet.
Level 5Develop and critique models, based on evidence, that illustrate the lifespan of the Sun, the role of nuclear fusion, and how energy from the Sun reaches Earth in the form of electromagnetic radiation, using scale, proportion, and quantity to evaluate the models’ validity and limitations in order to revise them.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS1-2 · Big Bang Theory
Level 1Identify the evidence, from those provided, that supports the Big Bang theory, based on astronomical evidence.
Aug 2026 · Q49 Hubble’s work provided which piece of evidence that supports the Big Bang theory of an expanding universe?
Aug 2026 · Q50 Which type of evidence or data did Hubble most likely use to measure the speed these galaxies were traveling?
June 2026 · Q8 Which pair of statements supports the Big Bang theory, based on the given astronomical evidence of light spectra,…
Jan 2026 · Q2 Which statements correctly summarize Hubble's data as evidence to support the Big Bang Theory?
Level 2Identify the explanation, that supports the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra or motion of distant galaxies or the composition of matter in the universe (Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR)).
June 2026 · Q21 Which explanation uses evidence from the JWST to support the Big Bang Theory?
Jan 2026 · Q1 Complete each of the three statements below to correctly describe cosmic microwave background radiation by placing an X…
Jan 2026 · Q3 How does the data in the graph support an explanation of the Big Bang theory?
Aug 2025 · Q11 Which explanation about the cosmic microwave background radiation provides evidence for the Big Bang theory?
Aug 2025 · Q13 Which statement correctly explains why the composition of Methuselah, a massive star, provides evidence that Methuselah…
June 2025 · Q19 Which table below correctly identifies the missing words and phrases labeled A, B, C, and D in the passage above?…
June 2025 · Q20 Based on information from the Relationship Between Relative Amount of Different Particles and Temperature of the…
Level 3Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, or motion of distant galaxies, and/or the composition of matter in the universe (Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR)).
Aug 2025 · Q12 Describe how wavelengths of emitted radiation from first stars have changed since the Big Bang and explain how this…
Level 4Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe.
No released question yet.
Level 5Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory using multiple sources, based on valid and reliable evidence of energy from light spectra, motions of distant galaxies, and the composition of matter in the universe (Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR)).
No released question yet.
HS-ESS1-3 · Stellar Nucleosynthesis
Level 1Given a scientific idea, identify the claim, from those provided, that describes how stars form elements over their life cycle.
Aug 2026 · Q47 Which two factors are responsible for nucleosynthesis in a star?
Aug 2025 · Q5 Which claim best describes the process of nucleosynthesis in a star?
Level 2Identify the given scientific idea that describes how different elements are produced by different types of stars over their life cycle.
June 2026 · Q45 Based on the characteristics of Kepler-16A, which row best describes the nuclear fusion occurring within this star, and…
June 2026 · Q5 Which row correctly lists the factors that influence nuclear reactions in stars and lists the types of elements in the…
June 2026 · Q23 Which statement about the formation of these elements during this event is correctly supported by the evidence from…
Jan 2026 · Q4 Which statement correctly explains the difference in the elements composing the two stars and compares the lifespans of…
June 2025 · Q17 A student created a data table containing information on how stars synthesize common elements through nucleosynthesis.…
Level 3Describe or identify one scientific idea from a source about how stars, over their life cycles, produce different elements depending on their masses or their life cycle.
Jan 2026 · Q5 Explain how the masses of Betelgeuse and the Sun are a factor in the rate of nucleosynthesis being different for each…
Level 4Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycles, produce elements.
No released question yet.
Level 5Synthesize valid and reliable scientific information in order to communicate scientific ideas in multiple formats (i.e. orally, graphically, textually, or mathematically) about the way stars, over their life cycles, produce elements.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS1-4 · Orbital Motion and Gravity
Level 1Using mathematical reasoning and given data, predict the motion of an orbiting object in the solar system.
Aug 2026 · Q4 Based on the information in the Simplified Model of Earth's Tidal Bulge model and the Earth Days per Year Through…
Aug 2026 · Q40 Which statement correctly explains why the orbital velocity of the Moon at the supermoon position is different than at…
June 2026 · Q43 Which evidence-based statement explains why Mercury has more transits of the Sun than Venus for the same time period,…
June 2026 · Q19 From the Sun, the JWST average orbital distance and orbital velocity is approximately
Jan 2026 · Q36 Which statement describes why the speed of the DART spacecraft changed before it impacted Dimorphos?
Jan 2026 · Q20 Based on the information in the Pluto’s Moons data table, which row in the table below correctly describes the orbital…
Aug 2025 · Q34 Based on the information in the table, which lettered pair correctly completes the passage below? The change in the…
June 2025 · Q5 Which set of claims correctly predicts the amount of the Moon visible, the distance from Earth, and the orbital…
June 2025 · Q3 The table below shows the eccentricity of the orbits of Mercury and Venus around the Sun. ant
June 2025 · Q4 Based on the Our Solar System Model, if a new planet was identified that orbited the Sun at an average orbital distance…
June 2025 · Q27 Which value would be the most accurate prediction for the period of revolution for Saturn?
Level 2Identify a correct mathematical or computational representation that describes and/or predicts the motion of orbiting object(s) in the solar system.
Jan 2026 · Q33 A student wanted to identify the mathematical and computational information needed to determine when OSIRIS-REx could…
Aug 2025 · Q15 Based on the model and Kepler’s Laws, which graph correctly represents the relative orbital speeds of HST and the Moon…
Level 3Use a mathematical or a computational representation(s) to describe the motion of orbiting object(s) in the solar system.
Aug 2026 · Q3 Place a check mark (v") in one box to indicate the date on which the orbital speed of the Moon around Earth was…
Jan 2026 · Q35 Based on the cyclic motions of Bennu and Earth, describe the conditions that are necessary for Bennu to collide with…
Jan 2026 · Q19 Using the model and data table, complete the List of Moons below to rank the moons in order of increasing orbital…
Aug 2025 · Q14 Based on the Gravitational Field Model, use the word list to complete the passage by placing the correct terms on the…
Level 4Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system.
Aug 2026 · Q41 Calculate the date and local time in Plattsburgh, New York, when the next total solar eclipse with the same geometry is…
June 2026 · Q46 Calculate how long it takes planet Kepler-16b to transit both stars, and provide one reason why the planet's transit…
Aug 2025 · Q32 Determine, in centimeters, how much farther away from Earth the Moon's average orbit will be 1000 years from the…
Level 5Use mathematical and computational analysis to predict the motions of orbiting bodies in the solar system and/or other parts of the universe.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS1-5 · Plate Tectonics and Crustal Ages
Level 1Based on evidence of past and current crustal movements, identify the relative ages of continental and/or oceanic crust.
June 2026 · Q1 Place the letters representing locations A, B, C, and D in the spaces below to show the pattern in the ages of rock…
June 2025 · Q48 Between which islands were the samples collected?
Level 2Identify the correct pattern of the ages of crustal rocks, using past and current movements of continental crust and/or oceanic crust and/or the theory of plate tectonics.
June 2026 · Q37 Which statement correctly describes the pattern of ages in the crustal rocks found in the model?
June 2025 · Q3 Which statement identifies the evidence for how the past and current movements of oceanic crust explain the ages of…
June 2025 · Q5 Based on evidence from the map, which statement identifies the pattern of the ages of crustal rocks in North America?
Level 3Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and/or oceanic crust and/or use the theory of plate tectonics, determine the pattern in the ages of crustal rocks.
June 2025 · Q47 A student makes a claim that the motion of the Pacific Plate can be used to determine the pattern of ages of the…
Level 4Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks.
No released question yet.
Level 5Using multiple sources of evidence, analyze the patterns in the data of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust to explain the ages of crustal rocks.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS1-6 · Formation and Early History of Earth
Level 1Identify the evidence (radiometric dating, impact cratering), from those provided, that supports/refutes a given explanation of Earth's or another planetary surface's formation or early history.
Aug 2026 · Q5 The piece of evidence that directly supports the claim that an impact event occurred about 35 million years ago in the…
Jan 2026 · Q34 Which statement provides evidence about the formation and movement of Bennu through the solar system?
Jan 2026 · Q26 Which three claims provide correct interpretations from data collected at Hommelstg?
Jan 2026 · Q11 Which statement identifies the evidence used to determine when the Huronian ice age occurred?
Jan 2026 · Q23 Which statement would provide evidence for the formation of Pluto’s four smallest moons from a possible impact with…
Aug 2025 · Q41 Which row in the table correctly identifies the family of Eurypterus remipes, the age of the fossil, and the type of…
Aug 2025 · Q43 Based on evidence in the model, which table correctly completes the passage below? Evidence of the mass extinction of…
Aug 2025 · Q45 Based on the diagram, which row in the table below provides the correct evidence that accurately describes the height…
June 2025 · Q2 Which table identifies the correct relative ages of two craters and a piece of evidence that supports the hypothesis…
June 2025 · Q5 Which two geologic processes have provided information about Earth’s formation and early history by altering or…
June 2025 · Q26 Which statement best describes the differences between terrestrial planets and Jovian planets in the solar system as a…
Level 2Using evidence from ancient Earth materials, or meteorites, or other planetary surfaces (other objects in the solar system) to support/refute a given explanation of Earth's formation and/or early history, or use evidence from radiometric dating to support/refute a given explanation of the formation of a solar system object.
Aug 2026 · Q6 Based on the rock samples that have been found around the impact site, identify the parent isotope that could have been…
Aug 2026 · Q8 Describe one piece of evidence that could be used to prove that the ancient marine sediments in Stage 1 were deposited…
Aug 2025 · Q35 Using the table, identify the letter of the sample that provides evidence to support the claim that the Moon is…
Aug 2025 · Q21 A student makes a claim that the water on our planet is most similar to the water found on comets based on its D/H…
June 2025 · Q2 Identify one characteristic of zircon crystals that makes them ideal for determining the absolute age of rocks found in…
Level 3Using evidence and scientific reasoning from ancient Earth materials, or meteorites, or other planetary surfaces, construct an account of Earth's formation and/or early history, or use evidence from radiometric dating of rocks and/or other materials to construct an account of the formation or early history of objects in the solar system.
June 2025 · Q3 Construct an account, using radioactive elements and their decay products, to support the Giant Impact Hypothesis,…
June 2025 · Q28 A sample of a meteorite was tested and found to contain 50% Uranium-238. Use evidence from the graph to make a claim…
Level 4Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of Earth's formation and early history.
No released question yet.
Level 5Analyze empirical evidence from multiple sources, to construct an explanation of Earth's formation and early history, based upon the assumption that theories and laws that describe the natural world operate today as they did in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS1-7 · Cycles of the Sun, Earth, and Moon
Level 1Identify the evidence that supports the claim that the phases of the Moon or eclipses or tides or seasons change cyclically or that celestial events are the result of the relative motion and the perspective of an observer.
Aug 2026 · Q39 What is the most likely approximate Moon distance that occurred during the full Moon on December 15, 2024, based on…
June 2026 · Q6 Identify the name and motion of the celestial object shown in the model that is responsible for the pattern of…
Jan 2026 · Q21 Which pieces of evidence shown in the model and data table support the claim that the phases of Charon as viewed from…
June 2025 · Q4 Identify the date in October 2025 when a full Moon will be observed. Use evidence from the calendar to support your…
June 2025 · Q6 Which statement summarizes evidence in the Model of Moon's Orbit Around Earth and the table Solar Eclipses at…
Level 2Identify an evidence-based explanation, from those provided, that supports the claim that the phases of the Moon or eclipses or tides or seasons change cyclically or that celestial events are the result of the relative motion and the perspective of an observer.
Aug 2026 · Q1 Which evidence-based explanation supports the claim that ocean tides at Jones Inlet, New York, change cyclically?
Aug 2026 · Q2 Which evidence-based statement supports the claim that the occurrence of a specific Moon phase is associated with an…
June 2026 · Q42 Which piece of evidence explains why Mercury and Venus are the only planets in our solar system that transit when…
Aug 2025 · Q31 Which row in the table below correctly identifies the evidence and explanation for the observed cyclic change in tides…
June 2025 · Q2 The Moon is moving away from Earth at approximately 2.5 cm per year. Which explanation correctly describes how this…
Level 3Construct an explanation using evidence to support the claim that the phases of the Moon or eclipses or tides or seasons change cyclically or that celestial events are the result of the relative motion and/or perspective of an observer.
Aug 2026 · Q38 Write the letter for each full supermoon from the data table in the space provided next to the month each supermoon…
Jan 2026 · Q22 A student makes the following claim: The same side of Charon always faces Pluto to an observer on Pluto, just like the…
Aug 2025 · Q33 Construct an explanation to support the claim that in about 700 million years, a total solar eclipse on Earth’s surface…
June 2025 · Q1 Construct an explanation using evidence from the models to support the claim that tides on Earth change cyclically.
June 2025 · Q5 Using Our Solar System Model, construct an explanation for why an observer on Earth can see a cycle of phases for the…
Level 4Construct an explanation using evidence to support the claim that the phases of the Moon, eclipses, tides, and seasons change cyclically.
No released question yet.
Level 5Apply scientific ideas, principles, and evidence to support the claim that the phases of the Moon, eclipses, tides, and seasons change cyclically and that celestial events are the result of the relative motion and perspective of an observer.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS2-1 · Earth's Surface Processes
Level 1Use a model to determine whether a continental or ocean-floor feature results from Earth's internal and/or surface process(es) (constructive and/or destructive) or to identify the distribution of rocks and/or minerals within Earth's crust.
Aug 2026 · Q7 Which two stages in the models are evidence of constructive processes associated with the formation of the present-day…
Jan 2026 · Q25 Which row correctly completes the passage below? When the Storegga Slide triggered a tsunami, the initial wave would…
Aug 2025 · Q28 A student made a chart of constructive and destructive geologic processes from information shown in the Formation of…
June 2025 · Q4 A student made a chart of constructive and destructive geologic processes represented in the Model of Impact of Theia…
June 2025 · Q46 Which table correctly pairs the Earth process with the surface feature that created the Hawaiian Islands chain? Earth…
Level 2Use a model to identify Earth's internal and/or surface process(es) (constructive and/or destructive) that operate at different spatial or temporal scales to form continental and/or ocean-floor features or to identify an Earth surface or internal process that forms continental or oceanic floor features or to explain the distribution of rocks and/or minerals within Earth's crust.
Aug 2026 · Q10 Which statement describes the approximate spatial and temporal scales associated with the movement of the African Plate…
Aug 2026 · Q11 For each of the three locations, place a check mark (✓) to indicate the correct surface feature and the correct…
June 2026 · Q2 Which statement correctly compares the rate of seafloor spreading at the ridge in Iceland to the rate of seafloor…
June 2026 · Q35 Describe how the minerals within the rocks of the continental segment are different than those found in the oceanic…
June 2026 · Q38 Plate interactions that cause plates to move also form features on Earth's surface. Which table accurately identifies…
June 2026 · Q24 Based on the model, which plate tectonic interaction led to the formation and eruption of Mt. Pinatubo?
June 2026 · Q50 The nickel deposits in Norilsk are found in the same mine with large deposits of copper, cobalt, and platinum. Nickel…
June 2026 · Q12 Based on the models, which table correctly identifies the processes that form carbonate rock from silicates and the…
Jan 2026 · Q13 Earths surface processes cause changes to Earth's surface and atmosphere. Past changes produced conditions that led to…
Aug 2025 · Q42 Use information from the model to describe the temporal ranges of fossilized eurypterids that lived in a deep marine…
Aug 2025 · Q44 Which evidence from the paleomap could be used to support an explanation for the presence of similar ancient plant and…
Aug 2025 · Q30 Based on the model above, identify the two tectonic settings in which pyrite, a sulfide-based deposit, forms in…
June 2025 · Q49 Based on the models, which table correctly identifies the spatial change, the temporal change, and one possible surface…
June 2025 · Q29 Which statement most accurately identifies why evidence of impact crater A will most likely not be preserved for as…
Level 3Use a model to explain how Earth's internal and/or surface processes (constructive and/or destructive) operate at different spatial or temporal scales to form continental and/or ocean-floor features or to explain the distribution of rocks and/or minerals within Earth's crust.
Aug 2026 · Q35 Use the models to explain how Earth's internal tectonic processes were responsible for the formation of the Gulf over a…
June 2025 · Q1 Use the model to explain how the Central Pangean Mountains were separated into the Appalachian Mountains and the…
June 2025 · Q1 Use the model to explain how the collision of Theia, which eventually formed the Moon and changed Earth’s composition,…
June 2025 · Q39 Use the model to compare the temporal scale of land subsidence associated with the earthquake to the temporal scale of…
Level 4Develop a model to illustrate how Earth's internal and surface processes operate at different spatial and temporal scales to form continental and ocean-floor features.
No released question yet.
Level 5Develop a complex model which allows for manipulation and testing that demonstrates the relationships between Earth's internal and surface processes responsible for the formation of continental and ocean-floor features across varying spatial and temporal scales.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS2-2 · Feedbacks in Earth’s Systems
Level 1Using geoscience data/information, identify one change in Earth’s surface or an Earth system and how it will result in a change to another Earth system.
Aug 2026 · Q42 Based on the geoscience information, which statement correctly describes how the volcanic eruption changed the amount…
Aug 2026 · Q29 Which row in the table below contains a set of terms that correctly completes the statement below? Construction of the…
Aug 2026 · Q34 Changing atmospheric temperatures are predicted to cause the warm Loop Current to weaken. ‘Which statement identifies a…
June 2026 · Q49 Which table identifies the correct relationship between two Earth systems and how they are changed as a result of the…
Jan 2026 · Q24 Which claim summarizes the climate change that most likely occured at Dublin, Ireland, over the last 18,000 years?
June 2025 · Q3 Which table correctly identifies associated future impacts to the cryosphere and hydrosphere from the Arctic Ocean…
June 2025 · Q36 In addition to increased carbon dioxide emissions, which row in the table below correctly describes the factors and…
Level 2Identify the geoscience data/information that provides evidence for a given claim that a change to Earth’s surface or an Earth system results in a change to another Earth system or provides evidence to support/refute a given claim that a change to an Earth’s surface or one Earth system results in a change to another Earth system.
Aug 2026 · Q31 Which feedback pattern between Earth's spheres supports the claim that the shrinking Aral Sea contributes to the…
Jan 2026 · Q42 A student makes a claim that copper mines negatively affect Earth's surface, causing a change to Earth's systems.…
Jan 2026 · Q12 Which statement correctly uses information from the model and passages as evidence to support the claim that, during…
June 2025 · Q5 Which piece of evidence best supports the claim that there is less sea ice formation in the Eastern Arctic Ocean off…
June 2025 · Q43 Based on the graphs and table, which statement correctly provides evidence to support the claim that increased…
June 2025 · Q9 Which model correctly represents the feedbacks that occur when dark surfaces are exposed in glacial areas and cause…
June 2025 · Q22 A student makes a claim that the location of the salt front is constantly changing due to weather conditions. Which…
June 2025 · Q14 Which claim correctly summarizes the data in the graphs that a change to one Earth system caused a change to another…
Level 3Analyze geoscience data/information to support the claim that a change to Earth’s surface or an Earth system can create a feedback that cause changes to one or more Earth’s system(s).
June 2026 · Q25 Use information from the Volcanic Eruption Model to describe how aerosols ejected from volcanoes affect energy flow…
Jan 2026 · Q47 Scientists claim Earth's surface air temperature changed during the late Carboniferous Period. Analyze the data…
Aug 2025 · Q24 Use the graph to complete the claims that describe how changes in the percent of plant cover on a land surface cause…
June 2025 · Q6 After Pangea broke up 130 Ma, over time the number of subduction zones on Earth changed. This change to the geosphere…
June 2025 · Q44 Describe how the manufacturing of Bushblok logs addresses a problem in Namibia. Explain how these logs benefit the…
June 2025 · Q25 Explain how the graph supports the claim that dredging of the Hudson River has only been partially effective at…
June 2025 · Q11 Explain the process that the trees in a forest use to make energy for food and describe how this process is responsible…
Level 4Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth’s surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to Earth’s systems.
Jan 2026 · Q29 Using the information in the graph, make a claim that describes a feedback that occurs as a result of a change in ice…
Aug 2025 · Q38 Use the model to construct a claim about the amount of coastal sediment deposited by a river system before and after a…
Aug 2025 · Q9 Analyze data from the two maps to make a claim about how the construction of the hydroelectric power plants and…
Level 5Compare and contrast various geoscience data sets to examine consistency of measurements and observations in order to make the claim that changes to Earth’s surface can create feedbacks that influence the stability of Earth’s systems over time.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS2-3 · Thermal Convection in Earth
Level 1Given a model of Earth’s interior, identify the evidence, from those provided, that shows the cycling of matter by thermal convection or given a model with evidence, identify a stage of recycling of Earth materials by surface processes or by convection currents in the mantle.
June 2026 · Q48 Which statement correctly describes the physical and chemical properties of the basalt in the Siberian Traps?
Jan 2026 · Q14 Based on the student's observations, which set of observations and mineral name correctly identifies the mineral…
Aug 2025 · Q1 Which row in the table below correctly describes the substance(s) found in Earth’s interior and the characteristic of…
Aug 2025 · Q3 Which statement correctly describes a source of heat within Earth’s interior?
Aug 2025 · Q29 Based on evidence from the Formation of the Pyrites Complex models, which geologic process correctly identifies the…
Level 2Given a model of Earth’s interior, identify the evidence that shows the cycling of matter by thermal convection or given a model with evidence, identify stages of recycling of Earth materials by surface processes or by convection currents in the mantle or identify a rock or mineral using evidence from a given a model of physical and chemical properties of rocks or minerals.
Aug 2026 · Q12 Cite evidence about the composition of basalt to refute the student's claim. Justify your response by including at…
Aug 2026 · Q9 Which sequence (A-D) correctly identifies the stages of recycling of Earth materials that occurred in the Chesapeake…
June 2026 · Q39 Four tectonic processes listed below describe one stage in the cycling of Earth materials in the Mariana region. [a]…
June 2026 · Q40 Based on the model, which row in the data table below identifies the correct combination of location of formation, rock…
Aug 2025 · Q2 Seismic wave information was used by scientists to infer the depth of Earth’s interior layers and the states of matter…
Aug 2025 · Q5 Which statement correctly compares locations on the Juan de Fuca Ridge Model?
Aug 2025 · Q4 Which statement, based on evidence presented in the diagram, model, and graph, most accurately identifies our current…
Aug 2025 · Q6 Complete each of the statements below to correctly describe geological processes related to the surface and interior…
Level 3Given a model, describe the cycling of matter (e.g., minerals and rock cycle) by thermal convection based on evidence of Earth’s interior or given a model with evidence, describe stages of recycling of Earth materials by surface processes or by convection currents in the mantle or identify the location of the formation of rock types using evidence from a given model.
June 2026 · Q10 Describe how plate convergence cycles carbon in carbonate rocks by thermal convection from the lithosphere to the…
Aug 2025 · Q4 Using evidence from the Earth's Surface and Interior Model, complete the Rock Cycle Model by identifying one tectonic…
Aug 2025 · Q6 Describe how the pattern of magnetic field reversal of ocean floor basalt shown in the rocks on either side of the Juan…
Aug 2025 · Q27 Use one of the Formation of the Pyrites Complex models to identify one geologic process responsible for the cycling of…
Level 4Develop a model based on evidence of Earth’s interior to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.
June 2026 · Q47 Develop the model in the space provided that indicates how the Siberian Traps were formed. Your model must include a…
Level 5Develop a complex model of Earth’s interior using multiple pieces of evidence to illustrate the relationships between systems and/or the components of a system in order to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS2-5 · Water and Earth’s Surface Processes
Level 1Given the results of an investigation or information about the chemical and/or physical properties of water (in its different forms) identify an effect that water would have on an Earth material or surface process.
Aug 2026 · Q19 Which statement most accurately describes the effect of moving water on the change in sediment volume in Lake Mead…
Aug 2026 · Q15 Which table correctly matches the ocean trends that are most directly affected by the properties of water shown in the…
June 2026 · Q11 Which statement identifies how the silicate rocks that have been chemically changed by water produced carbonate rocks…
Jan 2026 · Q40 What are the constructive processes most likely responsible for the distribution of rock layers found in the Letchworth…
Aug 2025 · Q7 Which claim correctly summarizes the effect of water on the concrete in the parking structure producing the calthemite…
Level 2Given the results of an investigation or information of the chemical and/or physical properties of water (in its different forms), describe an effect that water would have on an Earth material or a surface process.
Aug 2026 · Q20 Using your knowledge of seasonal water cycle processes, explain why the salinity of the body of water at Iceberg Canyon…
June 2026 · Q41 Name one tectonic feature that forms in an area above melting oceanic crust. Then use evidence from the graph to…
Jan 2026 · Q38 In the Letchworth Gorge, the Genesee River erodes sandstones and shale at different rates. Check the box to indicate…
Aug 2025 · Q6 Describe a property of water that increases the deformation of concrete due to repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Also,…
June 2025 · Q21 Describe how heavy rain events along the Hudson River would affect the location of the salt front.
Level 3Using a given plan, conduct an investigation of the physical and chemical properties of water and water’s effects on Earth materials and surface processes or given a plan, and the results of an investigation, describe how the properties of water affect an Earth material and a surface process.
Aug 2025 · Q25 A groundwater investigation is planned for water Well B and Well C from the cross section. A scientist believes that…
Level 4Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.
No released question yet.
Level 5Plan and conduct an investigation to demonstrate how the water’s structure, in all of its phases, affects its properties, and how water effects on Earth materials and surface processes.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS2-6 · Carbon Cycling
Level 1Use a quantitative/qualitative model that shows the cycling of carbon between two Earth spheres to identify the relative concentrations of carbon present in each sphere.
Aug 2026 · Q24 Which statement correctly describes how the cycling of carbon between two Earth spheres is represented in the model?
Level 2Use a quantitative/qualitative model to identify the cycling of carbon between two Earth spheres (hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere).
June 2026 · Q34 Complete the qualitative model below by writing the letter for each choice in the correct space in the model to…
Jan 2026 · Q50 The cycling of carbon through Earth's spheres results in different stages of coal formation. ‘Which piece of evidence…
June 2025 · Q6 Complete each of the statements below to correctly describe geological processes related to the surface and interior…
June 2025 · Q12 Which statement correctly identifies the quantitative cycling of carbon between two of Earth's spheres as a result of…
Level 3Use/complete a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon between two Earth spheres (hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere).
June 2026 · Q9 Complete the model by placing the correct terms, from the choices below, in the boxes to describe the cycling of carbon…
Level 4Develop a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon among the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
No released question yet.
Level 5Develop and analyze data from a quantitative model of the carbon cycle to predict how a change in carbon levels in one system will affect other Earth systems.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS2-7 · Coevolution of Earth and Life
Level 1Identify the correct example, from those provided, of the coevolution of two Earth’s systems and the effect on life on Earth.
Jan 2026 · Q10 Which row in the table below correctly describes the evidence for the coevolution of Earth systems as a result of the…
Jan 2026 · Q46 Which claim accurately identifies a change in atmospheric oxygen levels due to a change in Earth's biosphere in the…
Level 2Support a given argument by identifying the evidence for the coevolution of feedbacks between Earth’s systems and life on Earth.
Jan 2026 · Q49 Which pieces of evidence from the maps and graph support the students’ claim?
Aug 2025 · Q22 Which statement is correctly supported by evidence from the two models showing volcanic outgassing?
Level 3Support a given argument by describing the evidence for the coevolution of feedbacks between Earth’s systems and life on Earth.
No released question yet.
Level 4Construct an argument based on evidence about the coevolution of Earth’s systems and life on Earth.
Aug 2026 · Q28 Construct an argument about how diverting the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers from 1960 to 1990 impacted both the Aral…
Jan 2026 · Q48 Construct an argument that predicts the relative wingspan of a dragonfly if it were to have lived in the atmospheric…
Aug 2025 · Q23 Construct an argument, based on evidence in the model, about how stromatolites in Earth’s oceans caused Earth's early…
June 2025 · Q30 Identify the process that caused the oxygen levels in Earth's oceans and atmosphere to change. Then, construct an…
Level 5Compare and evaluate competing scientifically-based arguments in light of currently accepted explanations, new evidence, limitations, constraints, and ethical issues about the coevolution of Earth’s systems and life on Earth.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS2-4 · Energy Flow and Climate Change
Level 1Use a model/information to identify an energy flow into or out of an Earth system that results in a change in the climate.
No released question yet.
Level 2Use a model/information to identify how (a) factor(s) affect(s) the flow of energy into or out of an Earth system and identify the resulting effect on climate over a timescale.
Aug 2026 · Q23 Which row in the table below correctly completes the model to show the effect of concrete production on the amount of…
Aug 2026 · Q18 Based on the information provided, which statement correctly explains how changes in energy flow due to human…
Aug 2026 · Q43 Which table identifies how the volcanic eruption of HTHH most likely affected the flow of energy to Earth's atmosphere…
Jan 2026 · Q31 Using information in both the model and graph, write the correct letter from the choices below on the blank to complete…
June 2025 · Q6 During winter, which statement best describes the amount of energy Earth's northern hemisphere will receive and the…
June 2025 · Q7 Which statement most accurately describes the influence of melting glaciers at X on the strength of Earth’s ocean…
Level 3Use a model/information to identify factor(s) that affect the flow of energy into or out of an Earth system and describe one effect this would have on climate occurring over various timescales or use a model/information to describe how one change in the flow of energy in and out of an Earth system results in a change of climate.
Aug 2025 · Q46 Describe how atmospheric CO, levels have affected the flow of energy out of the atmosphere and describe how this change…
June 2025 · Q1 Use evidence from the climate model to describe how a reduction of Arctic Ocean ice will cause a change in average…
Level 4Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth’s systems result in changes in climate.
June 2025 · Q2 Complete the model by placing the correct process number into each of the four boxes to indicate how variations in the…
Level 5Evaluate and analyze data from climate change models to describe climate factors and the causational or correlational effect they have on climate change over different time scales.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS2-8 · Air Masses and Weather
Level 1Use data and/or patterns of movement and interactions of air masses to identify the resulting changes in weather conditions or identify one factor that drives the movement of air masses or from those provided, use evidence from maps to account for weather conditions or given weather conditions, identify evidence found on maps that account for one of these conditions.
Aug 2026 · Q13 Which statement explains why the Canary Islands region experiences low average annual rainfall?
Aug 2026 · Q37 Which two factors are mostly responsible for the changing global atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns occurring…
June 2026 · Q17 The movement of the cold front associated with the low pressure system from January 4 to January 5 is a result of
June 2026 · Q18 Based on evidence from the maps, weather conditions in high pressure system (H) areas are generally clear because high…
June 2026 · Q32 Which factor most likely caused the movement of carbon dioxide gas from the lake downhill into the valley?
Jan 2026 · Q7 Other than ocean currents, what other factor determines the global circulation of these plastic toys?
Level 2Use data to identify the patterns of movement or the interactions of air masses and the resulting changes in weather conditions or to identify factors that drive the movement of air masses or from given weather conditions, identify evidence from maps that supports these conditions.
Aug 2026 · Q44 The water vapor was moved by planetary wind circulation from the volcano to Reunion Island. Which row correctly matches…
June 2026 · Q16 Which statement identifies the pattern of movement of the low pressure center and weather condition, indicated on the…
Jan 2026 · Q6 Complete each of the three statements below by placing an X to correctly describe the factor responsible for global…
Aug 2025 · Q16 Which statement correctly identifies the air movement patterns associated with the planetary wind “horse latitudes”?
Aug 2025 · Q17 Which winds drive the movement of a continental tropical air mass across Earth's surface away from the northern “horse…
Aug 2025 · Q19 Which table correctly compares the characteristics of Hurricane 2 to Hurricane 1 and its associated Bermuda high?…
Level 3Evaluate data and communicate information to identify the patterns of movement and/or interactions of air masses and/or the resulting changes in weather conditions.
June 2026 · Q14 Describe how the pattern of movement of the polar jet stream changed when the polar vortex changed from stable to…
Aug 2025 · Q18 Identify each air mass using its two-letter code. Also, place a checkmark (✓) in the box that indicates the resulting…
Aug 2025 · Q20 Compare the atmospheric pressure at 12 hours after landfall to the atmospheric pressure at 24 hours after landfall…
Level 4Evaluate data and communicate information to explain how the movement and interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.
June 2026 · Q15 Explain how the maximum and minimum temperature maps on January 6, 2014 provide evidence for the claim that the central…
Level 5Collect and analyze global and regional weather data using tools, technologies, and/or models, to communicate in multiple formats how the movement and interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS3-5 · Climate Change Forecasting
Level 1Given geoscience data or the results from a global climate model, or a given evidence‐based claim (forecast) of the current rate of global or regional climate change, identify an associated future impact to an Earth system.
Jan 2026 · Q32 Based on the model and the graph, which model below correctly summarizes changes to an Earth system off the coast of…
June 2025 · Q38 A student makes the claim that the amount of living forest acreage will decrease as the amount of ghost forest acreage…
June 2025 · Q8 Which statement most accurately describes the influence of present surface ocean currents on the climate at location Y?
Level 2Use geoscience data and/or the results from a global climate model, to identify the evidence-based claim (forecast), from those provided, of the current rate of global or regional climate change and/or identify an associated future impact to an Earth system.
Jan 2026 · Q28 Based on the map, which evidence-based claim correctly identifies how a change in climate most likely affected the…
Jan 2026 · Q30 Based on the trend shown in the graph, which claim correctly describes the rate of change in ice mass from 2010 to 2022?
June 2025 · Q4 Which claim identifies the current rate of Arctic ice change along line X~Y and its effect on the North Pole?
June 2025 · Q10 Identify the numerical values for the projected concentration of greenhouse gases (CO, equivalent) and for the…
Level 3Analyze geoscience data or the results from a global climate model to make an evidence-based claim (forecast) of the current rate of global or regional climate change and/or an associated future impact to an Earth system.
Aug 2026 · Q45 Determine the forecasted change in global average temperature according to the realistic reduction scenario of fossil…
June 2025 · Q15 Using the rate of regional climate change in Antarctica for the last 40,000 years, make an evidence-based forecast of…
Level 4Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence‐based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth systems.
No released question yet.
Level 5Collect and analyze geoscience data from global climate models to make valid and reliable scientific claims. Use those claims to determine an optimal design solution to slow the rate of climate change and its associated future impacts to Earth systems.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS3-1 · Natural Resources, Hazards, and Human Activity
Level 1Identify the evidence that supports an explanation for how human activity has been affected by the availability of natural resources, or the occurrence of natural hazards, or changes in climate.
June 2026 · Q3 Which statement, based on evidence found on the map, describes how the movement of the Eyjafjallajskull ash cloud…
June 2026 · Q28 Mineral resources in New York State have allowed for the construction of facilities that produce cement. Which resource…
June 2026 · Q27 Which statements correctly identify the probability of how these natural hazards have influenced human activity?
Jan 2026 · Q39 Which sequence of terms best completes the claim?
Level 2Identify an evidence-based explanation, from those provided, that describes how the availability of natural resources, or the occurrence of natural hazards, or changes in climate have influenced human activity.
Aug 2026 · Q14 Which statement best describes how the earthquake swarm most likely helped predict another natural hazard and allowed…
Aug 2026 · Q21 Which evidence-based statement correctly describes how the availability of water in the Colorado River has influenced…
Aug 2026 · Q17 Which set of explanations correctly describe how human activities will most likely be influenced by current changes in…
June 2026 · Q33 Using evidence from the infographic, which statement describes the best human response that would reduce loss of life…
Jan 2026 · Q44 Which explanation uses evidence from the infographic to most correctly explain how human activity is being influenced…
Jan 2026 · Q45 Which evidence-based statement correctly describes how the electrical energy generation resources in the United States…
Aug 2025 · Q39 Based on the River Ecosystem with a Dam model and the diagrams, which evidence-based statement correctly identifies how…
June 2025 · Q3 Which set of terms constructs a correct explanation that describes why humans have built the La Rance Tidal Barrage…
June 2025 · Q23 Based on evidence in the plan developed by the environmental groups, which explanation correctly describes how the…
June 2025 · Q13 Which explanation describes how climate change from increased atmospheric carbon dioxide has influenced human activity?
Level 3Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how human activity has been affected by the availability of natural resources, or occurrence of natural hazards, or changes in climate.
Aug 2026 · Q26 Identify one natural or mineral resource that supports the claim that Albany and Kingston were considered to be better…
Jan 2026 · Q15 Using evidence from the maps, construct an explanation that describes how a human activity may have been affected by…
Aug 2025 · Q26 Describe how a prolonged period of drought would affect the depth of the water table. Also, describe how this change…
June 2025 · Q37 Based on the infographic, identify one natural resource that will be affected by the rise in sea level, and construct…
Level 4Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
No released question yet.
Level 5Construct an explanation based on evidence synthesized from a variety of sources of how human activity has been affected by the availability of natural resources, the occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate. Design a plan to adapt to and/or mitigate the effects of natural perturbations.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS3-2 · Resource Use and Conservation
Level 1Given a design solution, identify the benefit(s)/costs of developing or managing or utilizing energy or (mineral) resources.
Jan 2026 · Q17 Which statement below correctly identifies a benefit to a local community when comparing these two design solutions for…
Aug 2025 · Q36 Which claim identifies a benefit of developing and managing the Libby Dam Hydroelectric Project after its construction?
Aug 2025 · Q10 Based on the graph, which statement accurately describes the Energy Return on Investment (EROI) for the energy sources?
Level 2Evaluate given design solutions for developing or managing or utilizing energy or (mineral) resources based on cost‐benefit ratios.
Aug 2026 · Q27 Which design solution for producing cement has the best benefit to the environment?
June 2025 · Q31 Identify the type of vehicle from the infographic that has the smallest negative impact on the environment. Justify…
Level 3Evaluate competing design solutions for developing or managing, or utilizing energy or (mineral) resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
June 2026 · Q4 Which proposed solution would best protect an Icelandic community from a lava flow when considering constraints such as…
Jan 2026 · Q43 When comparing gas-powered cars to electric cars, which statement correctly summarizes the type of car that has a lower…
Jan 2026 · Q9 A student makes a claim that the river cleanup method is a more effective design solution than the ocean cleanup method…
Level 4Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
No released question yet.
Level 5Design a solution for developing, managing, and utilizing energy or mineral resources based on cost‐benefit ratios taking into consideration social, ethical, environmental, or geopolitical issues.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS3-3 · Resource Management and Sustainability
Level 1Based on data (from a computational simulation), identify the relationship, from those provided, between two of the following: the management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity.
June 2026 · Q26 Based on the Model of Geothermal Power Plant with Mitigation Components, which row in the table correctly identifies…
June 2025 · Q41 Based on the information from Simulation 1 and Simulation 2, which row in the table below correctly matches both a…
June 2025 · Q42 Based on the information in both graphs, which statement correctly identifies the relationship between the management…
June 2025 · Q33 Which table below correctly summarizes the benefits of extracting lithium by mining or the reservoir brine method?…
Level 2Given parameters /or data (in a computational simulation), describe a relationship between two of the following: the management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and/or biodiversity or identify how a solution to the management of natural resources or the sustainability of human populations, and/or biodiversity reduces the impact on humans.
Aug 2026 · Q30 Use the data tables and maps to describe how the management of fresh water in the Aral Sea region most likely…
Jan 2026 · Q8 Which statement explains how the removal of plastic bags in the GPGP will stabilize biodiversity in the area?
June 2025 · Q35 Which statement correctly identifies how the processing and management of saline brine for lithium production in the…
Level 3Given parameters/data (from a computational simulation), describe a relationship among the management of natural resources, and the sustainability of human populations and biodiversity.
Aug 2026 · Q36 Which statement correctly describes how one of the solutions in the project that mitigates damage from extreme weather…
Level 4Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity.
No released question yet.
Level 5Create a computational simulation resulting in multiple data sets to illustrate relationships among the management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and/or biodiversity. Compare the outcomes with what is known about the real world.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS3-4 · Reducing Human Impact on Natural Systems
Level 1Given a technological solution, identify the natural system that is being impacted by human activity or identify how the solution reduces the impact on a natural system.
Aug 2025 · Q8 How does the production of electricity by hydroelectric power plants at Niagara Falls, rather than by burning fossil…
Level 2Given a technological solution to a geoscience problem, identify how the solution reduces impacts of human activities on the natural system or identify how the solution reduces the impact on humans.
Aug 2026 · Q22 Which row shows the choice from each column that correctly completes the statement that identifies how the solution of…
Jan 2026 · Q16 Write the correct letters from the choices below on the line at the end of each sentence to complete each statement…
Jan 2026 · Q18 Which row in the table below correctly identifies how the use of RAP in the paving of roadways influences the CO,…
Aug 2025 · Q50 Which claim correctly summarizes how the Coastal Carbon Capture process is a solution that will reduce the impact of…
Level 3Given a technological solution, describe the geoscience problem being addressed and how the solution reduces the impact of human activities on a natural system.
June 2025 · Q50 Identify the geoscience problem being addressed in the photographs. Describe how the solutions shown in photograph 2 or…
Level 4Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
June 2026 · Q36 Which description best explains why self-sustaining degassing pipes are the best solution for reducing the risk of…
June 2026 · Q13 A student made claims about the four carbon mineralization processes. Which claim correctly evaluates a solution and…
June 2025 · Q24 Based on the model and graph, which would be the next logical solution that would cause the greatest decrease in PCB…
Level 5Use scientific information to generate a number of possible refinements to a technological solution. Describe and quantify the criteria, constraints, and tradeoffs of the solution to the problem that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
No released question yet.
HS-ESS3-6 · Human Impact on Earth Systems
Level 1Given data and/or a model (computational/ graphic representation), identify how one Earth system is being modified due to human activity.
Aug 2025 · Q47 The change in the atmospheric carbon dioxide level from 1958 to 2020 has caused the waters around Australia to show
June 2025 · Q34 Which statement correctly identifies the changes to the lithosphere that were needed for reservoir brine lithium…
Level 2Given data and/or a model (computational representation), identify the relationship between two Earth systems that are being modified due to human activity.
Aug 2026 · Q25 Place a check mark (✓) next to the three claims that correctly describe a relationship among two Earth systems that…
June 2026 · Q29 Which statement identifies the relationship between two Earth systems that are affected by the production of concrete?
Aug 2025 · Q48 From the time in Model 1 to the time in Model 2, determine if the atmospheric CO, entering the ocean and the ocean…
Aug 2025 · Q37 Which statement correctly identifies a relationship between the hydrosphere and the biosphere in a river system with…
Level 3Given data and/or a model (computational representation), describe a relationship among Earth systems and how that relationship is being modified due to human activity.
Aug 2026 · Q16 Using data shown in Graphs 1, 2, and 3, describe how ocean heat content, average sea level, and global average…
Aug 2026 · Q33 Use numerical data to describe how both the ocean and aquatic life are affected 30 km south of Marsh Islands…
June 2026 · Q30 Circle two of the three Earth systems below that are influenced by the use of concrete in the development of urban…
Jan 2026 · Q27 Identify the Earth system that is being impacted the least by the Eurostar train. Use numerical evidence to explain how…
Aug 2025 · Q49 Use the information in the models to explain how the projected (2100) availability of carbonate ions will change and…
Level 4Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
No released question yet.
Level 5Create a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and make a claim using empirical data about how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
No released question yet.
HS-ETS1-1 · Analyzing Global Challenges
Level 1Given a major global challenge, identify the criteria or constraint for the given solution that best accounts for societal needs or wants.
No released question yet.
Level 2Given a major global challenge, describe the qualitative or quantitative criteria or constraint for the given solution that best accounts for societal needs or wants.
Aug 2025 · Q40 Use the Cost of Flood Damage in a 2500 Square-Foot Home table to calculate how much a homeowner could potentially save…
June 2025 · Q32 Vehicles entering New York City add pollutants to the air in a congested urban area. Describe the economic benefit to…
Level 3Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative or quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
No released question yet.
Level 4Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative or quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
No released question yet.
Level 5Evaluate two or more major global challenges to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions, which could include new technologies that account for societal needs and wants.
No released question yet.
HS-ETS1-2 · Breaking Down Complex Problems
Level 1Identify the solution, from those provided, that addresses a smaller, more manageable real-world problem.
June 2025 · Q45 Increasing the use of biomass is one of many actions that the CCF is taking to reduce the rate of climate change. Which…
Level 2Given a complex real-world problem that has been broken down into smaller, more manageable problems, identify a solution to one smaller problem that can be solved through engineering.
No released question yet.
Level 3Given a complex real-world problem, identify one smaller more manageable problem and describe a solution to that problem that can be solved through engineering.
No released question yet.
Level 4Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
No released question yet.
Level 5For a complex real-world problem, design multiple solutions to sub-problems based on student generated data and/or scientific information from other sources. Describe the rationale, criteria, and constraints of each sub-problem.
No released question yet.
HS-ETS1-3 · Evaluating Solutions and Trade-offs
Level 1Identify the solution from those provided, to a complex real-world problem based on given criteria and/or constraints.
June 2026 · Q31 Which two statements identify constraints that would support the choice of traditional concrete over porous concrete?
Jan 2026 · Q37 Place one check mark in each row to identify the option (Options 1 and 2 or Option 3) that meets the criteria and…
Level 2Describe a solution to a complex real-world problem based on given criteria and constraints.
No released question yet.
Level 3Identify a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and/or trade-offs (positives and negatives) for a range of constraints, such as cost, safety, reliability, aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, or environmental impacts.
Aug 2026 · Q32 Which set of criteria and constraints would be most important to consider when proposing solutions to limit the further…
June 2026 · Q20 Place a check mark (v/) in each row to identify whether each design criteria or constraint is a positive or negative…
June 2025 · Q40 Which three proposed solutions reduce the expansion of ghost forests and would most likely be accomplished with minimal…
Level 4Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of multiple constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Aug 2026 · Q46 The MCB solution to climate change involves many trade-offs. Place a check mark (✓) to indicate one positive and one…
Level 5Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria by generating a prioritized list of criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of multiple constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts. Explain how these solutions affect society and the environment.
No released question yet.
HS-ETS1-4 · Modeling Solutions with Simulations
Level 1Identify the impact of a given solution to a complex real-world problem.
Jan 2026 · Q41 Which statement identifies how the construction of the Mount Morris Dam has impacted the ability to control rain events?
Level 2Given data (from a computer simulation), identify the impact of a proposed solution to a complex real-world problem, or the impact on an interaction within or between two systems relevant to the problem.
No released question yet.
Level 3Given data (from a computer simulation), describe the impact of proposed solutions to a complex real-world problem with limited criteria and constraints on interactions within and/or between systems relevant to the problem.
No released question yet.
Level 4Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to a complex real-world problem with numerous criteria and constraints on interactions within and between systems relevant to the problem.
No released question yet.
Level 5Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to related complex real-world problems with numerous criteria and constraints on interactions within and between systems relevant to the problem.
No released question yet.
Summary
| Standard | Topic | L1 | L2 | L3 | L4 | L5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS-ESS1-1 | The Sun and Its Energy | 6 | 2 | 4 | – | – | 12 |
| HS-ESS1-2 | Big Bang Theory | 4 | 7 | 1 | – | – | 12 |
| HS-ESS1-3 | Stellar Nucleosynthesis | 2 | 5 | 1 | – | – | 8 |
| HS-ESS1-4 | Orbital Motion and Gravity | 11 | 2 | 4 | 3 | – | 20 |
| HS-ESS1-5 | Plate Tectonics and Crustal Ages | 2 | 3 | 1 | – | – | 6 |
| HS-ESS1-6 | Formation and Early History of Earth | 11 | 5 | 2 | – | – | 18 |
| HS-ESS1-7 | Cycles of the Sun, Earth, and Moon | 5 | 5 | 5 | – | – | 15 |
| HS-ESS2-1 | Earth's Surface Processes | 5 | 14 | 4 | – | – | 23 |
| HS-ESS2-2 | Feedbacks in Earth’s Systems | 7 | 8 | 7 | 3 | – | 25 |
| HS-ESS2-3 | Thermal Convection in Earth | 5 | 8 | 4 | 1 | – | 18 |
| HS-ESS2-5 | Water and Earth’s Surface Processes | 5 | 5 | 1 | – | – | 11 |
| HS-ESS2-6 | Carbon Cycling | 1 | 4 | 1 | – | – | 6 |
| HS-ESS2-7 | Coevolution of Earth and Life | 2 | 2 | – | 4 | – | 8 |
| HS-ESS2-4 | Energy Flow and Climate Change | – | 6 | 2 | 1 | – | 9 |
| HS-ESS2-8 | Air Masses and Weather | 6 | 6 | 3 | 1 | – | 16 |
| HS-ESS3-5 | Climate Change Forecasting | 3 | 4 | 2 | – | – | 9 |
| HS-ESS3-1 | Natural Resources, Hazards, and Human Activity | 4 | 10 | 4 | – | – | 18 |
| HS-ESS3-2 | Resource Use and Conservation | 3 | 2 | 3 | – | – | 8 |
| HS-ESS3-3 | Resource Management and Sustainability | 4 | 3 | 1 | – | – | 8 |
| HS-ESS3-4 | Reducing Human Impact on Natural Systems | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 | – | 9 |
| HS-ESS3-6 | Human Impact on Earth Systems | 2 | 4 | 5 | – | – | 11 |
| HS-ETS1-1 | Analyzing Global Challenges | – | 2 | – | – | – | 2 |
| HS-ETS1-2 | Breaking Down Complex Problems | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| HS-ETS1-3 | Evaluating Solutions and Trade-offs | 2 | – | 3 | 1 | – | 6 |
| HS-ETS1-4 | Modeling Solutions with Simulations | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| All Earth and Space Science standards | 93 | 111 | 59 | 17 | 0 | 280 | |
Page contributors: Conrad Richman