MS-PS3-2 | Potential Energy · NYS standard · Grade 8 test questions

Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on relative amounts of potential energy, not on calculations of potential energy. Examples of objects within systems interacting at varying distances could include: the Earth and either a roller coaster cart at varying positions on a hill or objects at varying heights on shelves, changing the direction/orientation of a magnet, and a balloon with static electrical charge being brought closer to a classmate’s hair. Examples of models could include representations, diagrams, pictures, and written descriptions of systems.

Assessment boundary: Assessment is limited to two objects and electric, magnetic, and gravitational interactions.

Grade 8 Science Test Questions

Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-PS3-2 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	Forces and Fields	Question 16
Spring 2025 Grade 8 Test	Energies of Dropped Marbles	Question 56
Spring 2024 Grade 8 Test	Energy of Skateboarders	Question 16

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.

From this standard

arrangement of objects
diagram
electric interaction
energy transfer
evidence
force
gravitational interaction
interacting at a distance
kinetic energy
magnet
magnetic interaction
model
orientation
potential energy
relative position
representation
roller coaster
static electrical charge
stored energy
system
system model

From released test questions

drop height – Spring 2025
electric potential energy – Spring 2026
electrically charged – Spring 2026
elevation – Spring 2024
generator – Spring 2026
metal – Spring 2026
system of objects – Spring 2026

Implied by this standard

gravitational potential energy – implied by "the Earth and either a roller coaster cart at varying positions on a hill or objects at varying heights on shelves"

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-PS3-2 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Given a model, identify the evidence from the model that describes how the amount of potential energy stored in the system changes as the relative positions of the interacting objects change. Spring 2025 · Q56 Spring 2024 · Q16

Level 2: Given a model, use evidence from the model to describe how the amount of potential energy stored in the system changes as the relative positions of the interacting objects change. Spring 2026 · Q16

Level 3: Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.

Level 4: Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, the relative amounts of potential energy and kinetic energy in the system also changes.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-PS3-2.

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

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-PS3-2 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models
- Develop a model to describe unobservable mechanisms.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

PS3.A: Definitions of Energy
- A system of objects may also contain stored (potential) energy, depending on their relative positions.
PS3.C: Relationship Between Energy and Forces
- When two objects interact, each one exerts a force on the other that can cause energy to be transferred to or from the object.

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models
- Models can be used to represent systems and their interactions—such as inputs, processes and outputs—and energy and matter flows within systems.

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman, Shirley Shameen

MS | MS. Energy