MS-PS1-5 | Conservation of Matter · NYS standard · Grade 8 test questions
Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved.
Clarification statement: Emphasis is on the law of conservation of matter and on physical models or drawings, including digital forms, that represent atoms.
Assessment boundary: Assessment does not include the use of atomic masses, balancing symbolic equations, or intermolecular forces.
Grade 8 Science Test Questions
Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-PS1-5 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 mass
- balanced equation
- chemical reaction
- conservation of mass
- evidence
- intermolecular force
- law of conservation of matter
- mass
- matter
- model
- molecule
- new substance
- physical model
- property
- rearrange
- symbolic equation
- type of atom
- atmosphere – Spring 2026
- burning – Spring 2024
- chemical property – Spring 2026
- claim – Spring 2026, Sample
- closed system – Sample
- conservation of matter – Spring 2024
- data table – Spring 2026
- element – Spring 2025
- energy – Spring 2024
- equation – Sample
- gas – Spring 2026, Sample
- heat – Sample
- investigation – Sample
- kinetic energy – Spring 2026
- liquid – Sample
- physical property – Spring 2026
- product (of a reaction) – Spring 2025, Sample
- reactant – Spring 2025
- reaction – Spring 2024, Sample
- soil – Spring 2026
- solid – Sample
- substance – Spring 2026, Sample
- volume – Spring 2024
Performance Level Descriptions
Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-PS1-5 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-PS1-5.
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NGSS Dimensions
Performance expectation MS-PS1-5 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
- Developing and Using Models
- Develop a model to describe unobservable mechanisms.
- PS1.B: Chemical Reactions
- (NYSED) Substances react chemically in characteristic ways. When substances react, the atoms that make up the molecules rearrange, forming new substances with different properties.
- The total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved.
- Energy and Matter
- Matter is conserved because atoms are conserved in physical and chemical processes.