3-PS2-1
Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
Clarification statement: Examples could include an unbalanced force on one side of an object can make it start moving; and, balanced forces (including friction) acting on a stationary object from both sides will not produce any motion at all.
Assessment boundary: Assessment is limited to one variable at a time: number, size, or direction of forces. Assessment does not include quantitative force size, only qualitative and relative. Assessment is limited to gravity being addressed as a force that pulls objects down.
Assessment
What assessment of 3-PS2-1 might look like on a NY state exam.
| Exam | Cluster | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | Investigations with Balloons | Question 31 |
| Investigations with Balloons | Question 34 | |
| Spring 2024 | Motion of Golf Balls | Question 6 |
Resources
Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of 3-PS2-1.
NGSS Dimensions
Performance expectation 3-PS2-1 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
Connections to Other Standards
3-PS2-1 connections to ELA, math, and other science standards as outlined by the NYS Education Department: