MS-PS4-2

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Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on both light and mechanical waves. Examples of models could include drawings, ray diagrams, simulations, and written descriptions. Materials could include plane, convex, and concave mirrors and biconvex and biconcave lenses.

Assessment boundary: Assessment is limited to qualitative applications pertaining to light and mechanical waves.

Performance Level Descriptions

PLDs communicate the knowledge and skills expected of students to demonstrate proficiency in each Learning Standard. NYS assessments classify student performance into one of five levels.

Level 4Level 3Level 2Level 1

Develop and use models to describe that light and mechanical waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.

Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.

Use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.

Given a model, identify whether a wave is being reflected, absorbed or transmitted through one material.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-PS4-2.

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Assessment

What assessment of MS-PS4-2 might look like on a NY state exam.

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

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-PS4-2 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

• Developing and Using Model
  • Develop a model to describe phenomena.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• PS4.A: Wave Properties
  • A sound wave needs a medium through which it is transmitted.
• PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation
  • When light shines on an object, it is reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through the object, depending on the object’s material and the frequency (color) of the light.
  • (NYSED) The path that light travels can be traced as straight lines, except at surfaces between different transparent materials (e.g., air and water, air and glass) where the light path bends.
  • A wave model of light is useful for explaining brightness, color, and the frequency-dependent bending of light at a surface between media.
  • (NYSED) However, because light can travel through space, it cannot be a mechanical wave, like sound or water waves.

Crosscutting Concepts

• Structure and Function
  • Structures can be designed to serve particular functions by taking into account properties of different materials, and how materials can be shaped and used.

Connections to Other Standards

MS-PS4-2 connections to ELA, math, and other science standards as outlined by the NYS Education Department:

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Shirley Shameen, Conrad Richman

MS | MS. Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation