MS-PS4-3

← MS-PS2-4

MS-LS1-1 →

Integrate qualitative scientific and technical information to support the claim that digitized signals are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information than analog signals.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on a basic understanding that waves can be used for communication purposes. Examples could include using fiber optic cable to transmit light pulses, radio wave pulses in wifi devices, and conversion of stored binary patterns to make sound or text on a computer screen.

Assessment boundary: Assessment does not include binary counting. Assessment does not include the specific mechanism of any given device.

Grade 8 Science Test Questions

No released Grade 8 science test questions for MS-PS4-3 have been added to the wiki yet.

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

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

• analog signal
• binary counting
• binary pattern
• claim
• communication
• computer
• device
• digital signal
• digitized signal
• encode
• fiber optic cable
• light pulse
• mechanism
• pulse
• qualitative evidence
• radio wave
• reliable
• scientific information
• signal
• technical information
• transmission
• wave pulse
• Wi-Fi

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-PS4-3 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Identify one piece of qualitative evidence or one piece of technical information that supports the claim that digitized signals are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information than analog signals.

Level 2: Identify one piece of qualitative evidence and one piece of technical information that supports the claim that digitized signals are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information than analog signals.

Level 3: Integrate qualitative scientific and technical information to support the claim that digitized signals are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information than analog signals.

Level 4: Integrate multiple pieces of qualitative scientific and technical information to support the claim that digitized signals are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information than analog signals and how these digitized signals are used for communication purposes.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-PS4-3.

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

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-PS4-3 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

• Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
  • Integrate qualitative scientific and technical information in written text with that contained in media and visual displays to clarify claims and findings.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• PS4.C: Information Technologies and Instrumentation
  • Digitized signals (sent as wave pulses) are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information.

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.

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Shirley Shameen

MS | MS. Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation