MS-PS4-1 | Wave Properties · NYS standard · Grade 8 test questions

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Develop a model and use mathematical representations to describe waves that includes frequency, wavelength, and how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on describing waves with both qualitative and quantitative thinking.

Assessment boundary: Assessment is limited to comparing standard repeating waves of only one type (transverse or longitudinal).

Grade 8 Science Test Questions

Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-PS4-1 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 7
Spring 2024 Grade 8 Test Energy Transfer by Waves Question 1
Energy Transfer by Waves Question 5

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
  • amplitude
  • energy of a wave
  • frequency
  • longitudinal wave
  • mathematical representation
  • model
  • qualitative
  • quantitative
  • repeating pattern
  • simple wave
  • transverse wave
  • variable
  • wave
  • wavelength
From released test questions
Implied by this standard
  • wave speed (v = f × λ) – implied by "use mathematical representations to describe waves that includes frequency, wavelength"

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-PS4-1 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Given a model, identify the frequency, wavelength, or amplitude of a wave or identify a relationship between them. Spring 2024 · Q1
Level 2: Given a model, qualitatively identify the frequency, wavelength, or amplitude of a wave or explain the relationship between the amplitude and energy in a wave. Spring 2026 · Q7 Spring 2024 · Q5
Level 3: Develop a model and use mathematical representations to describe waves that includes frequency, wavelength, and how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave.
Level 4: Develop a model and use mathematical representations to describe waves that includes frequency, wavelength, and how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave and predict what would happen if one of these variables was changed.
Notice: PLD levels!

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-PS4-1.

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NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-PS4-1 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices
  • Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
    • Use mathematical representations to describe and/or support scientific conclusions and design solutions.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
  • PS4.A: Wave Properties
    • A simple wave has a repeating pattern with a specific wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.
Crosscutting Concepts
  • Patterns
    • Graphs and charts can be used to identify patterns in data.
Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman, Shirley Shameen
MS | MS. Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation
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