MS-PS1-4

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Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and phase (state) of a substance when thermal energy is added or removed.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on qualitative particulate- level models of solids, liquids, and gases to show that adding or removing thermal energy increases or decreases kinetic energy of the particles until a change of phase occurs. Examples of models could include drawings and diagrams. Examples of particles could include ions, molecules, or atoms. Examples of substances could include sodium chloride, water, carbon dioxide, and helium.

Grade 8 Science Test Questions

Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-PS1-4 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	Hard-Boiled Eggs	Question 39
Spring 2025 Grade 8 Test	Maple Syrup Production	Question 1
	Maple Syrup Production	Question 2
Spring 2024 Grade 8 Test	The Chemistry of Propane	Question 53

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

• atom
• change of phase
• change of state
• diagram
• gas
• ion
• kinetic energy
• limitations of a model
• liquid
• model
• molecule
• particle
• particle motion
• phase (state of matter)
• pressure
• solid
• state of matter
• substance
• temperature
• thermal energy
• vibrate

From released test questions

• arrangement of particles – Spring 2025
• boiling – Spring 2026
• boiling point – Spring 2026
• particle diagram – Spring 2025, Spring 2024
• phase diagram – Spring 2026
• relative position – Spring 2025
• room temperature – Spring 2026
• steam – Spring 2025
• water vapor – Spring 2026, Spring 2024

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-PS1-4 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Given a model, identify the change in particle motion or temperature or phase (state) of a substance when thermal energy is added or removed.

Level 2: Given a model, predict or describe the changes in particle motion and temperature, or particle motion and phase (state) of a substance when thermal energy is added or removed. Spring 2025 Question 1, Spring 2025 Question 2, Spring 2024 Question 53

Level 3: Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, phase (state) of a substance when thermal energy is added or removed. Spring 2026 Question 39

Level 4: Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in the patterns of particle motion, temperature, pressure, and phase (state) of a substance when thermal energy is added or removed and evaluate the limitations of that model.

Notice: PLD levels!

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-PS1-4.

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

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-PS1-4 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 that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and phase (state) of a substance when thermal energy is added or removed.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
  • In a solid, the particles are closely spaced and vibrate in position but do not change their relative locations. In a liquid, the particles are closely spaced but are able to change their relative locations. In a gas, the particles are widely spaced except when they happen to collide and constantly change their relative locations.
  • The changes of state that occur with variations in temperature and/or pressure can be described and predicted using these models of matter.

Crosscutting Concepts

• Patterns
  • Graphs, charts, and images can be used to identify patterns in data.
• Cause and Effect
  • Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural or designed systems.

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman, Shirley Shameen

MS | MS. Structure and Properties of Matter