MS-LS3-2 | Reproduction · NYS standard · Grade 8 test questions
Develop and use a model to describe how asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.
Clarification statement: Emphasis is on using models such as diagrams and simulations to describe the cause and effect relationship of gene transmission from parent(s) to offspring.
Grade 8 Science Test Questions
Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-LS3-2 are listed here by test and question cluster. Each link opens the question with its answer key.
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.
- allele
- argument
- asexual reproduction
- cause and effect relationship
- chromosome
- diagram
- gene
- gene transmission
- genetic difference
- genetic information
- genetic variation
- identical genetic information
- inherited trait
- merits and limitations
- model
- offspring
- parent
- reproduction
- sexual reproduction
- simulation
- subset of chromosomes
- trait
- variation
- ancestor – Spring 2025
- behavior – Spring 2025
- body cell – Spring 2025
- carrier – Spring 2025
- cell – Spring 2025
- chromosome pair – Spring 2025
- descendant – Spring 2025
- environment – Spring 2025
- evidence – Spring 2025
- evolution – Spring 2025
- explanation – Spring 2025
- genetic outcome – Spring 2025
- genetic probability – Spring 2025
- genetically distinct – Spring 2025
- habitat – Spring 2025
- inherited – Spring 2026
- migration – Spring 2025
- natural habitat – Spring 2025
- pollination – Spring 2026
- predator – Spring 2025
- Punnett square – Spring 2025
- root system – Spring 2026
- seed – Spring 2026
- sickle cell anemia – Spring 2025
- species – Spring 2025
- tropical forest – Spring 2025
Performance Level Descriptions
Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-LS3-2 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.
Resources
Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-LS3-2.
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NGSS Dimensions
Performance expectation MS-LS3-2 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
- Developing and Using Models
- Develop and use a model to describe phenomena.
- LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits
- Variations of inherited traits between parent and offspring arise from genetic differences that result from the subset of chromosomes (and therefore genes) inherited.
- LS3.B: Variation of Traits
- In sexually reproducing organisms, each parent contributes half of the genes acquired (at random) by the offspring. Individuals have two of each chromosome and hence two alleles of each gene, one acquired from each parent. These versions may be identical or may differ from each other.
- Cause and Effect
- Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural systems.