MS-ESS2-1 | The Rock Cycle · NYS standard · Grade 8 test questions

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Revision as of 09:55, 17 October 2026 by Conrad (talk | contribs) (Vocabulary section (terms from the Middle School Science Glossary) and PLD example questions)
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Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on the processes of melting, crystallization, weathering, deformation, and sedimentation, which act together to form minerals and rocks through the cycling of Earth’s materials.

Assessment boundary: Assessment does not include the specific identification and naming of minerals and rocks but could include the general classification of rocks as igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary.

Grade 8 Science Test Questions

Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-ESS2-1 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 The Changing Landscape of Niagara Falls Question 11
Plate Tectonics Question 38
Spring 2024 Grade 8 Test Death Valley Question 33
Death Valley Question 34

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
  • biogeology
  • chemical change
  • classification of rocks
  • crystallization
  • cycling of Earth's materials
  • deformation
  • Earth process
  • Earth's interior
  • Earth's materials
  • energy
  • flow of energy
  • igneous rock
  • internal energy
  • living organism
  • matter cycling
  • melting
  • metamorphic rock
  • mineral
  • model
  • physical change
  • physical characteristic
  • rock
  • rock cycle
  • sedimentary rock
  • sedimentation
  • weathering
From released test questions
Implied by this standard
  • lava – implied by "the processes of melting, crystallization" that form "igneous" rocks (magma is named in the Spring 2026 test)

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-ESS2-1 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Use a model to identify one process responsible for the formation of sedimentary, igneous and/or metamorphic rocks. Spring 2024 Question 33
Level 2: Use a model to describe a process that cycles Earth’s materials and/or the flow of energy that drives this process. Spring 2026 Question 38
Level 3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
Level 4: Develop and use multiple models to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of internal energy that drives these processes.
Notice: PLD levels!

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-ESS2-1.

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


NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-ESS2-1 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 and use a model to describe phenomena.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
  • ESS2.A: Earth’s Materials and Systems
    • All Earth processes are the result of energy flowing and matter cycling within and among the planet’s systems. This energy is derived from the sun and Earth’s hot interior. The energy that flows and matter that cycles produce chemical and physical changes in Earth’s materials and living organisms.
  • ESS2.E: Biogeology
    • Living things affect the physical characteristics of their regions.
Crosscutting Concepts
Page contributors: Conrad Richman, Caroline Leonard, Shirley Shameen
MS | MS. Earth's System
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