MS-ESS2-3 | Plate Tectonics · NYS standard · Grade 8 test questions

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Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions.

Clarification statement: Examples of data could include similarities of rock and fossil types on different continents, the shapes of the continents (including continental shelves), and the locations of ocean structures (such as ridges, fracture zones, and trenches).

Assessment boundary: Paleomagnetic anomalies in oceanic and continental crust are not assessed.

Grade 8 Science Test Questions

Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-ESS2-3 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	Plate Tectonics	Question 34
	Plate Tectonics	Question 35
	Plate Tectonics	Question 36
	Plate Tectonics	Question 37
Spring 2025 Grade 8 Test	Earth's Tectonic Plates	Question 28
	Earth's Tectonic Plates	Question 29
	Earth's Tectonic Plates	Question 31
Spring 2024 Grade 8 Test	Death Valley	Question 35
Middle school sample clusters	Fossil Parks in New York State	Question 2

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-ESS2-3 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Using data as evidence, identify the explanation, from those provided, that supports past plate motion based on either the distribution of fossils, rocks, continental shapes, or seafloor structures.

Level 2: Using data, identify the evidence that supports past plate motions using either the distribution of fossils, rocks, continental shapes, or seafloor structures.

Level 3: Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions.

Level 4: Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of past plate motion. Describe the different patterns of past plate motions and explain why these past plate motions have occurred.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-ESS2-3.

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

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-ESS2-3 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 provide evidence for phenomena.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• ESS2.B: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions
  • Maps of ancient land and water patterns, based on investigations of rocks and fossils, make clear how Earth’s plates have moved great distances, collided, and spread apart.

Crosscutting Concepts

• Patterns
  • Patterns in rates of change and other numerical relationships can provide information about natural systems.

Page contributors: Conrad Richman, Caroline Leonard, Shirley Shameen

MS | MS. History of Earth