MS-PS3-2

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Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on relative amounts of potential energy, not on calculations of potential energy. Examples of objects within systems interacting at varying distances could include: the Earth and either a roller coaster cart at varying positions on a hill or objects at varying heights on shelves, changing the direction/orientation of a magnet, and a balloon with static electrical charge being brought closer to a classmate’s hair. Examples of models could include representations, diagrams, pictures, and written descriptions of systems.

Assessment boundary: Assessment is limited to two objects and electric, magnetic, and gravitational interactions.

Grade 8 Science Test Questions

Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-PS3-2 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	Forces and Fields	Question 16
Spring 2025 Grade 8 Test	Energies of Dropped Marbles	Question 56
Spring 2024 Grade 8 Test	Energy of Skateboarders	Question 16

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

• arrangement of objects
• diagram
• electric interaction
• energy transfer
• evidence
• force
• gravitational interaction
• interacting at a distance
• kinetic energy
• magnet
• magnetic interaction
• model
• orientation
• potential energy
• relative position
• representation
• roller coaster
• static electrical charge
• stored energy
• system
• system model

From released test questions

• drop height – Spring 2025
• electric potential energy – Spring 2026
• electrically charged – Spring 2026
• elevation – Spring 2024
• generator – Spring 2026
• metal – Spring 2026
• system of objects – Spring 2026

Implied by this standard

• gravitational potential energy – implied by "the Earth and either a roller coaster cart at varying positions on a hill or objects at varying heights on shelves"

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-PS3-2 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Given a model, identify the evidence from the model that describes how the amount of potential energy stored in the system changes as the relative positions of the interacting objects change. Spring 2025 Question 56, Spring 2024 Question 16

Level 2: Given a model, use evidence from the model to describe how the amount of potential energy stored in the system changes as the relative positions of the interacting objects change. Spring 2026 Question 16

Level 3: Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.

Level 4: Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, the relative amounts of potential energy and kinetic energy in the system also changes.

Notice: PLD levels!

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-PS3-2.

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

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-PS3-2 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

• Developing and Using Models
  • Develop a model to describe unobservable mechanisms.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• PS3.A: Definitions of Energy
  • A system of objects may also contain stored (potential) energy, depending on their relative positions.
• PS3.C: Relationship Between Energy and Forces
  • When two objects interact, each one exerts a force on the other that can cause energy to be transferred to or from the object.

Crosscutting Concepts

• Systems and System Models
  • Models can be used to represent systems and their interactions—such as inputs, processes and outputs—and energy and matter flows within systems.

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman, Shirley Shameen

MS | MS. Energy