MS-ESS1-3

← MS-ESS1-2

MS-ESS1-4 →

Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on the analysis of data from Earth-based instruments, space-based telescopes, and spacecraft to determine similarities and differences among solar system objects. Examples of scale properties could include the sizes of an object’s layers (such as crust and atmosphere), surface features (such as volcanoes), and orbital radius. Examples of data could include statistical information, drawings and photographs, and models.

Assessment boundary: Assessment does not include recalling facts about properties of the planets and other solar system bodies.

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.

Level 4Level 3Level 2Level 1

Analyze and interpret multiple data sets to determine scale properties of objects, including surface features and inner layers, in the solar system.

Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Interpret data to determine the relative sizes and/or relative distances of objects in the solar system.

Use data to determine the relative sizes and/or relative distances in the Earth-Sun-Moon system.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-ESS1-3.

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

Assessment

What assessment of MS-ESS1-3 might look like on a NY state exam.

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

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-ESS1-3 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

• Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • Analyze and interpret data to determine similarities and differences in findings.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System
  • (NYSED) The solar system consists of the Sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, comets, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the Sun by its gravitational pull on them.

Crosscutting Concepts

• Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
  • Time, space, and energy phenomena can be observed at various scales using models to study systems that are too large or too small.

Connections to Other Standards

MS-ESS1-3 connections to ELA, math, and other science standards as outlined by the NYS Education Department:

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman, Shirley Shameen

P-8 | MS. Space Systems