MS-PS2-5 | Fields and Forces

Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide evidence that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.

Clarification statement: Examples of this phenomenon could include the interactions of magnets, electrically-charged strips of tape, and electrically-charged pith balls. Examples of investigations could include first-hand experiences or simulations. Emphasis should be on using arrows to represent the directions of forces.

Assessment boundary: Assessment is limited to electric and magnetic fields, and is limited to qualitative evidence for the existence of fields.

Grade 8 Science Test Questions

Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-PS2-5 are listed here by test and question cluster. Each link opens the question with its answer key.

Exam	Cluster	Question
Spring 2026	Forces and Fields	Question 15
Spring 2025	Practical Applications of Magnetism	Question 44
Spring 2024	Gravitational Forces	Question 30

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-PS2-5 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Given an investigation and evidence, identify the argument from those provided, that supports the claim that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.

Level 2: Given an investigation, identify the evidence that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.

Level 3: Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide evidence that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.

Level 4: Plan and conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide evidence that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-PS2-5.

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

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-PS2-5 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
- Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide evidence that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

PS2.B: Types of Interactions
- Forces that act at a distance (electric, magnetic, and gravitational) can be explained by fields that extend through space and can be mapped by their effect on a test object (a charged object, or ball, respectively)

Crosscutting Concepts

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. Forces and Interactions