MS-PS4-1

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Develop a model and use mathematical representations to describe waves that includes frequency, wavelength, and how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on describing waves with both qualitative and quantitative thinking.

Assessment boundary: Assessment is limited to comparing standard repeating waves of only one type (transverse or longitudinal).

Grade 8 Science Test Questions

Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-PS4-1 are listed here by test and question cluster. Each link opens the question with its answer key.

Exam	Cluster	Question
Spring 2026 Grade 8 Test	Acoustic Levitation	Question 7
Spring 2024 Grade 8 Test	Energy Transfer by Waves	Question 1
	Energy Transfer by Waves	Question 5

Vocabulary

Terms from the Middle School Science Glossary that come from this standard or from the released Grade 8 Science Test questions that assess it.

From this standard

• amplitude
• energy of a wave
• frequency
• longitudinal wave
• mathematical representation
• model
• qualitative
• quantitative
• repeating pattern
• simple wave
• transverse wave
• variable
• wave
• wavelength

From released test questions

• acoustic levitator – Spring 2026
• air pressure – Spring 2026
• air pressure wave – Spring 2026
• amplification – Spring 2026
• amplifier – Spring 2026
• claim – Spring 2024
• electricity – Spring 2026
• electromagnetic radiation – Spring 2024
• electromagnetic spectrum – Spring 2024
• energy – Spring 2026, Spring 2024
• scale – Spring 2026
• sound – Spring 2024
• sound wave – Spring 2026, Spring 2024
• spectrum – Spring 2024
• transmission – Spring 2024
• visible light – Spring 2024
• wave pattern – Spring 2026

Implied by this standard

• wave speed (v = f × λ) – implied by "use mathematical representations to describe waves that includes frequency, wavelength"

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-PS4-1 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Given a model, identify the frequency, wavelength, or amplitude of a wave or identify a relationship between them. Spring 2024 · Q1

Level 2: Given a model, qualitatively identify the frequency, wavelength, or amplitude of a wave or explain the relationship between the amplitude and energy in a wave. Spring 2026 · Q7 Spring 2024 · Q5

Level 3: Develop a model and use mathematical representations to describe waves that includes frequency, wavelength, and how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave.

Level 4: Develop a model and use mathematical representations to describe waves that includes frequency, wavelength, and how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave and predict what would happen if one of these variables was changed.

Notice: PLD levels!

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-PS4-1.

This section could be expanded upon. You can help out by adding to this section.

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-PS4-1 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

• Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
  • Use mathematical representations to describe and/or support scientific conclusions and design solutions.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• PS4.A: Wave Properties
  • A simple wave has a repeating pattern with a specific wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.

Crosscutting Concepts

• Patterns
  • Graphs and charts can be used to identify patterns in data.

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman, Shirley Shameen

MS | MS. Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation