MS-PS1-7 | Density · NYS standard · Grade 8 test questions

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Use evidence to illustrate that density is a property that can be used to identify samples of matter.

Clarification statement: Emphasis should be on students measuring the masses and volumes of regular and irregular shaped objects, calculating their densities, and identifying the samples of matter.

Note: this is a NYSED-specific performance expectation that is different from the Next Generation Science Standards.

Grade 8 Science Test Questions

Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-PS1-7 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 Acoustic Levitation Question 8
Spring 2025 Grade 8 Test Maple Syrup Production Question 3

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
  • argument
  • bulk quantity
  • calculation
  • characteristic property
  • chemical property
  • density
  • evidence
  • mass
  • matter
  • measurement
  • observation
  • physical property
  • property
  • sample of matter
  • volume
From released test questions

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-PS1-7 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Given an argument, identify the evidence that illustrates that density is a property that can be used to identify a given sample(s) of matter.
Level 2: Given evidence, identify the argument that illustrates that density is a property that can be used to identify a given sample(s) of matter. Spring 2026 · Q8 Spring 2025 · Q3
Level 3: Use evidence to illustrate that density is a property that can be used to identify samples of matter.
Level 4: Using measurements, calculations and observations as evidence, construct an argument, using density values, that either supports or refutes the identity of various samples of matter.
Notice: PLD levels!

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-PS1-7.

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NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-PS1-7 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices
  • Engaging in Argument from Evidence
    • Construct and present oral and written arguments supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support or refute an explanation or a model for a phenomenon or a solution to a problem.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
  • PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
    • (NYSED) Each substance has characteristic physical and chemical properties (for any bulk quantity under given conditions) that can be used to identify it.
Crosscutting Concepts
  • Patterns
    • Macroscopic patterns are related to the nature of microscopic and atomic-level structure.
Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman, Shirley Shameen
MS | MS. Structure and Properties of Matter
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