HS-PS1-12 | Electron Transfer

Use evidence to illustrate that some chemical reactions involve the transfer of electrons as an energy conversion occurs within a system.

Clarification statement: Evidence could include half-reactions, net ionic equations, and electrochemical cells to illustrate the mechanism of electron transfer.

Assessment boundary: Assessment is limited to completing and/or balancing oxidation and reduction half-reactions. Energy conversions are limited to qualitative statements

Note: this is a NYSED-specific performance expectation that is different from the Next Generation Science Standards.

Assessment

What assessment of HS-PS1-12 might look like on a NY state exam.

Exam	Cluster	Question
August 2026	Safe Transport of Drinking Water	Question 45
June 2026	Clock Reaction	Question 31
	All About Aluminum	Question 44
	All About Aluminum	Question 45
Sample clusters (Spring 2025)	Smartphone Chemistry	Question 5

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.

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Level 1: Use provided information to identify a reaction or a component(s) in a model that illustrates the transfer of electrons within a system.

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Level 2: Use or provide evidence to demonstrate that some chemical reactions involve the transfer of electrons within a system.

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Level 3: Use a model (e.g. electrochemical cell) or information that provides evidence to make a claim or support the argument that some chemical reactions involve the transfer of electrons as an energy conversion occurs within a system.

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Level 4: Use evidence to illustrate that some chemical reactions involve the transfer of electrons as an energy conversion occurs within a system.

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Level 5: Evaluate claims and analyze evidence to communicate that some chemical reactions involve the transfer of electrons as an energy conversion occurs within a system.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of HS-PS1-12.

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

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation HS-PS1-12 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

Engaging in Argument from Evidence
- Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind currently accepted explanations or solutions to determine the merits of arguments.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

PS1.B: Chemical Reactions
- (NYSED) Oxidation-reduction reactions are the prevailing source of power for many of today's modern conveniences.

Crosscutting Concepts

Energy and Matter
- The total amount of energy and matter in closed systems is conserved.
- Changes of energy and matter in a system can be described in terms of energy and matter flows into, out of, and within that system

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman

Chemistry | HS. Chemical Reactions