MS-PS1-1 | Molecular Structures · NYS standard · Grade 8 test questions
Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
Clarification statement: Emphasis is on developing models of molecules that vary in complexity. Examples of simple molecules could include ammonia and methanol. Examples of extended structures could include sodium chloride or diamonds. Examples of particulate-level models could include drawings, 3D ball and stick structures, or computer representations showing different substances with different types of atoms.
Assessment boundary: Assessment does not include valence electrons and bonding energy, discussing the individual ions composing complex structures, or a complete depiction of all individual atoms in a complex molecule or extended structure.
Grade 8 Science Test Questions
Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-PS1-1 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.
- atom
- atomic composition
- atomic-level structure
- ball-and-stick model
- bonding energy
- complex molecule
- crystal
- extended structure
- ion
- limitations of a model
- macroscopic pattern
- microscopic structure
- model
- molecule
- particulate-level model
- phenomenon
- repeating subunit
- scale
- simple molecule
- solid
- substance
- valence electron
- bacteria – Spring 2026
- bond – Spring 2026, Spring 2024, Sample
- burning – Spring 2024
- chemical reaction – Sample
- chemical symbol – Spring 2026
- combustion – Spring 2024
- cycle – Spring 2026
- double bond – Sample
- element – Spring 2024
- energy – Spring 2024
- environment – Spring 2026
- flammability – Spring 2024
- fuel – Spring 2024
- fuel source – Spring 2024
- gas – Spring 2026, Spring 2024
- heat – Spring 2024
- light – Spring 2024
- linear structure – Sample
- liquid – Spring 2024
- molecular structure – Sample
- nitrogen cycle – Spring 2026
- organism – Spring 2026
- orientation – Spring 2024
- pressure – Spring 2024
- product (of a reaction) – Spring 2024
- reactant – Spring 2024
- reaction – Spring 2024
- standard temperature and pressure – Spring 2024
- tissue – Spring 2026
- type of atom – Spring 2024
- vaporize – Spring 2024
Performance Level Descriptions
Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-PS1-1 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-PS1-1.
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NGSS Dimensions
Performance expectation MS-PS1-1 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
- Developing and Using Models
- Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
- PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
- Substances are made of one type of atom or combinations of different types of atoms.
- Solids may be formed from molecules or extended structures with repeating subunits (e.g., crystals).
- Patterns
- Macroscopic patterns are related to the nature of microscopic and atomic-level structure.
- Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
- Time, space, and energy phenomena can be observed at various scales.